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Institute of Imagination
The Institute of Imagination (iOi) is a well-established and pioneering education charity. We work with parents, teachers, youth and community leaders and academics, designing and delivering creative workshops across the arts, sciences and digital technologies (STEAM) for children aged 5-11 years old. These experiences empower children today to believe they can build a just, fair and sustainable…
Description

The Institute of Imagination (iOi) is a pioneering education charity that designs and delivers creative learning experiences across the arts, sciences and digital technologies for children and families. Our hands-on activities encourage children to explore, experiment and believe that they can help build a just, fair and sustainable world.

The East London Mosque Science Fair is a low-cost ticketed event for the local community, with ticket income helping to cover some of the costs of running the event. Around 2,000 people attended last year.

Organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, the fair introduces primary-aged children to different areas of science, creativity and future careers. It aims to give children access to ideas and opportunities they may not otherwise encounter at this age, helping to inspire them and open up their horizons.

This year’s theme brings together nature and space. The iOi team will be delivering a range of hands-on activities throughout the day, including:

  • Creating animated stories using natural materials
  • Designing future cities inspired by structures and patterns found in nature
  • Building nature-inspired vehicles and testing them in a wind tunnel
  • Experimenting with LEGO cars and ramps to explore movement, gravity and friction

Children and families will be encouraged to build, test, explore and improve their ideas as they move through the activities.

You can find out more about the event here:
https://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/event/elm-science-fair-2026

 

Duties

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help us welcome children and families, explain and demonstrate the activities, encourage children with their ideas and keep the workshop areas running smoothly.

You may also help to prepare and reset materials between participants, keep the spaces tidy and make sure everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience.

 

Training
You do not need to be a science expert or have previous workshop experience. We will provide guidance and support on the day.

Time commitment

We would love volunteers to join us for the full day where possible. However, we appreciate that this is a long day, so there will also be the option of volunteering for either a morning or afternoon session. We would prefer volunteers to commit to one of these defined sessions, rather than arriving partway through the day, so that we can keep the activities running smoothly.
Application deadline

Causes

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.