A slime workshop, the science behind chocolate and a chance to come face-to-face with creepy crawlies will all feature at Nottingham's first ever science festival on 19 and 20 March at Wollaton Hall.
Taking place during the East Midlands Innovation Festival (iFestival), the Nottingham Science Festival aims to encourage budding scientists to discover the wonders of science and how it is applied to everyday life. The two-day event has been organised by the Nottinghamshire branch of the British Science Association, and is supported by Nottingham Science City and Nottingham City Council.
Students from local primary schools will take part in a series of three workshops on the Friday 19 March, including slime chemistry, exploring invertebrates and pedal power, where students can learn about renewable energy and try out a pedal-powered sound system and bubble machine.
On Saturday 20 March, the science festival is open to anyone between 11am to 4pm. Highlights include interactive talks with Dr Audrey Matthew from De Montfort University, where delegates will learn about the history of chocolate and the science behind the chocolate making process. There will also be a discussion on astrochemistry entitled Chemistry in Space, led by Dr June McCombie from the University of Nottingham.
Visitors can also get involved with a number of exciting science projects, which include a vet school lambing simulator, making a genetic code bracelet and building a solar powered car.
Sarah Pierce, festival coordinator and British Science Association Nottinghamshire Branch Committee Member, said: "Science is not all lab coats and bench-work and I hope the activities on offer at the Nottingham Science Festival will really excite people and show the diversity of work that falls under the banner of 'science'. Hopefully this mini festival is only the start of what will become a big annual event for our region."
For more information on the event, and how to register please contactinfo@nottinghamsciencefestival.co.uk.