For many years education outreach from the fusion research programme at Culham concentrated on visits from school groups (notably A-level physics) to Culham. However, we were always conscious that we needed to add an outreach element to cater for younger students (especially KS2 and 3) – so we could capture their enthusiasm for science at this early stage.  With this in mind, the idea for a Sun Dome was first considered. 

In Spring 2005 the original Sun Dome ideas were turned into a proposal for financial support from our funding body – the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council - EPSRC. Once the proposal was accepted in late 2005, the project team set about developing the ideas for the show and procuring all the equipment. Pilot shows in schools started in January 2007 with detailed student and teacher evaluation.

The project was formally launched in March 2007 and has since visited 2500 students in the UK. The Sun Dome has also travelled outside the UK, where it was presented to 500 students in Germany and 300 in Florida, USA.

We are constantly evaluating the Sun Dome through teacher questionnaires, so we can improve the show. Generally, the feedback has been very positive.