Find out how science shapes our world, from the importance of bacteria to discoveries in the solar system and beyond, at the University’s annual Science and Engineering Festival, which starts this weekend (15 to 22 March).
The festival, which is part of National Science and Engineering Week, includes two free public open days – Ocean and Earth Day on Saturday 15 March and Science and Engineering Day on Saturday 22 March.
Professor William Powrie, Dean of Engineering and the Environment, comments: “One of the aims of the University’s Science and Engineering Festival is to inspire interest in these fascinating subjects and demonstrate just how exciting they can be. I really hope that these events spark enthusiasm and prove influential in persuading many of the young people visiting to choose science or engineering as a career.”
Ocean and Earth Day is being held in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre based at Dock Gate 4 from 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). We know less about our oceans than we do the moon and therefore visitors will have the opportunity to understand more about the impact of the oceans on our planet. They will be able to visit the sea life touch pools, take a closer look at fossils, experience a range of exciting hands-on activities and even get the chance to see the latest research ship RRS Discovery, named by HRH The Princess Royal, preparing for its first scientific cruise.
Science and Engineering Day takes place at the Highfield Campus from 10.30am to 4.30pm (last admission 4pm) with fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays, talks and shows. This stimulating and fun day is free and will be full of opportunities for children of all ages to get direct experience of science, including:
- Find out how your body fights infection
- Learn more about where your food comes from
- Come and see an electric car
- Learn how data is transmitted around the world
- Find out how crystals are formed
Plus there will be an overview of the largest experiment in the world – the Large Hadron Collider and visitors can see the Railway Research laboratory in action.
Other events taking place during Southampton Science and Engineering Festival include a TEAtime Lecture about ‘Evolution’ and a Sustainability Game Show on Tuesday 18 March, plus the start of ‘Fulcrum’, a three day arts and science festival at the Nuffield Theatre from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March.
For more information on the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival, please visit southampton.likn.co/scienceweek