Award-winning science event returns to Southampton

The University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton are celebrating this exciting occasion with a variety of free events and a programme of events for schools.

Last year, the University’s Science and Engineering Day was voted the UK’s best engineering event during Science and Engineering Week. This year it takes place at the Highfield Campus on Saturday 13 March, with fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays, talks and shows from 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm).

This stimulating and fun day will be full of opportunities for children of all ages to get direct experience of science across seven different zones: Space, Technology, Life, Transport, Construction, Light, and Chemistry. There will be something for everyone including:

• Pilot the Airbus A380 super jet in the flight simulator; 
• How fast can you go? Test your skilful driving through waves on a fast craft simulator;
• Learn how to recognise, diagnose and treat illness on a state-of-the-art simulated mannequin, just be careful not to make him cry;
• Blow cubic bubbles, if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of the mysterious and magical world of ‘Sud’s Law’;
• Take the role of scientist and artists and use your DNA to create a piece of art;
• Have a go at constructing your own bridge and see what weight it can take;
• Experience the magic of science at Ian B. Dunne’s ‘Science Magic…Magic Science’ show;
• Solve a murder mystery in our Blood on the Library Floor event.

Professor Jeremy Kilburn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics, comments: “One of the aims of the University’s yearly involvement in National Science and Engineering Week is to inspire young people’s 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 children to choose science or engineering as a career.”

Ocean and Earth Day will be held at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (through Dock Gate 4) on Saturday 20 March from 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). Visitors will have the chance to visit the aquarium, operate an underwater vehicle, take a close look at fossils and sealife, take part in a range of exciting hands-on activities and even get the chance to visit a working research vessel - RV Callista.

For more information on these and other National Science and Engineering Week events, please visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges/activities/scienceweek/index.html