Head to Norwich Science Festival, October 18-26, for science that's fun, fascinating and – best of all – free!
There's plenty to see and do this October half term as Norwich Science Festival gets underway - but you can expect to see more than just doctors in lab coats as a bumper line-up of musicians, actors, comedians, writers, TV stars and film-makers all head to the city to show you just how fun science can be.
Plenty of the events are completely free, too, and one of the best places to start is The Explorium, a drop-in, family-friendly, hands-on science zone at The Forum in Norwich which runs from Saturday, October 19-Saturday, October 26.
Inside, it offers a whole different world to explore each day, and it is where you can meet an escapee dinosaur from Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, become a bird, try out virtual reality, measure the speed of light or even step inside a giant nose.
On Monday, October 21, there will be plenty to see outside, too, as Prof Ben Garrod (UEA) and Prof John Hutchinson (Royal Veterinary College) take part in a live dissection to reveal the inner workings of an ostrich. This fantastic drop-in event will take place from 10am-4pm, outside The Forum, and is a must-see for budding vets, surgeons or simply those who want to know what's inside one of the world's largest flightless birds.
Are you, or your little ones, brave enough to meet some creepy crawlies? Find out at Mini Monsters, a free, drop-in event taking place at Castle Quarter on Tuesday, October 22 from 11am-3pm. "People will get to meet some friendly creepy crawlies from giant snails, giant millipedes and tarantulas to a snake and a lizard," says Ed Mackay, who has delivered hands-on wildlife sessions to over 20,000 adults and children across the country. Not only will you get to see them up close, but you'll learn some fascinating facts about each creature, too.
While science is used to improve our lives on a daily basis, the use of animals in research has become increasingly controversial. Find out how today's researchers use - and protect - animals at Opening Up: Using Animals in Research at UEA, which will take place at The Forum on Wednesday, October 23 from 5.30-6.30pm. Chaired by Fiona Fox, chief executive of Science Media Centre, it will feature input from local researchers as well as a Q&A session - so make sure you have your questions at the ready.
From Thursday, October 24-Saturday, October 26, you will have the chance to step inside the amazing Science Dome for an experience which is truly out-of-this-world. Marking the 50th anniversary of the first moon landings, this specially-designed inflatable dome at intu Chapelfield will house a 360- degree screen, so that you, too, can share in the adventure of walking on the moon - whatever your interest, there's plenty to whet your appetite!
THE EXPLORIUM
Saturday, October 19
Food and health: join the Pumpkin Rescue and squash food waste as well as interactive shows from Mad Science
Sunday, October 20
Health and wellbeing: try out the GERT old age suit and see what happens as you get older
Monday, October 21
Zoology: meet an escapee dinosaur from Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Tuesday, October 22
Nature: take part in the bumblee trail, become a bird or build a bee hotel
Wednesday, October 23
Norwich Research Park: step into a giant nose or become an atmospheric detective
Thursday, October 24
Chemistry: have fun with colourful chemicals, build your own enzyme or join the recycling roadshow
Friday, October 25
Technology: meet some robots, try out virtual reality or take part in the kit car pit stop challenge
Saturday, October 26
Physics and space: measure the speed of light for yourself and discover the joys of astronomy
HIDDEN ELEMENTS
Take part in this trail around the city to mark 150 years since Russian scientist, Dmitri Mendeleev arranged all of the then-known elements into the periodic table. Pick up a map from The Forum, complete the trail and collect a certificate. There's even a giant periodic table to see, too!
DON'T MISS
Monday, October 21
Saving the spectacled bear
The Forum, Millenium Plain, 12-12.30pm
Find out how scientists at the Earlham Institute in Norwich are using genetics to learn about the secret lives of the spectacled bear - the only species to live in South America - and how this research is helping with their conservation.
Wednesday, October 23
Shifting mindsets
The Forum, Millenium Plain, 10.30-11.30am
Scientists from the new Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) talk about their work with organisations and key stakeholders which helps to shift mindsets and behaviours for a more sustainable future.
Friday, October 25
Flights of fancy
The Forum, Millenium Plain, 10am-4pm, every 20 minutes
Get hands-on with these activities exploring the science behind flight and flying - where will your flight of fancy take you?
Saturday, October 26
Forgotten women in science
The Forum, Millenium Plain, 12-1pm
Join this inspiring talk about incredible women in science, the movement to provide overdue recognition of their achievements and how you, too, can make a difference.
Visit www.norwichsciencefestival.co.uk for more information and to buy tickets.
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