Tuesday, 30 January 2024
Astronaut costumes, air rockets and a light up brain room are some of the exciting activities being delivered by researchers from the University of Nottingham as part of the Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity that returns next week.
The annual festival celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths is organised by Ignite Futures and runs from 5-16thFebruary with a packed calendar of interactive and fun, free family events.
Scientists, from the University of Nottingham, will be helping festival goers to explore the world of science through hands-on experiments and engaging activities throughout the event.
“Apollo Legacy: How Engineers Landed People On The Moon” is the story of the lunar landing delivered by Assistant Professor Jez Turner from the Faculty of Engineering and will feature some exciting demonstrations and a few surprises! Jez will be joined by other academics covering a range of subjects as part of a Science Fun Day at the newly opened Central Library on Saturday 10th February.
The Apollo moon landing was a hugely historic event but as it happened almost 55 years ago many of the younger generation may not know very much about it. Our activity shines a spotlight on the role engineers played in the mission and introduces this important event to another generation. I love doing outreach and trying to support making STEM subjects more diverse and I hope people leave feeling enthused and inspired about science!
Visitors can also visit an interactive ‘sensing the brain’ installation at Wollaton Hall where scientists from the School of Physics use quantum sensors to detect electrical activity in the brain that is shown in lights.
Scientists will be providing a range of other fun, hands-on activities throughout the week with the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of 3D printing, get practical with some hands-on chemistry experiments, get creative with making activities.
We’re delighted to bring the festival back for another year. Our aim is to ignite curiosity and offer families, particularly those who may not typically have access to STEM-based activities, the opportunity to experience hands-on, enriching STEM experiences. We’re sure this year’s programme will once again, delight and inspire budding young scientists and their families!
Other highlights from this year’s festival include: the Secret Science Show at Wollaton Hall; an interactive performance by the UK Atomic Energy Authority; Planetarium Shows and a host of workshops where curious young minds can explore everything from microscopes to molecules to mind reading!
The FOSAC Magazine also returns, produced by students from Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies and written by real-life scientists and researchers. The content is designed for use both at school and at home with engaging articles, puzzles, and activities.
The Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity is produced by local education charity Ignite!, with support from a wide range of festival network organisations. This year's festival is delivered in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, Catalent, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottingham Trent University, Nottinghamshire County Council, Potter Clarkson, Quotient Sciences, Rolls Royce, UKAEA, University of Nottingham, and Upperton.
For more information including detailed event listings please visit www.nottsfosac.co.uk and follow the Festival on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @NottsFOSAC #FOSAC24
Story credits
More information is available Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science on Jane.Icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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