From masterclasses to talks in schools, to public events, this year we have something on offer for any age during Science Week!
Our jam-packed Science Week at Sheffield Hallam University is fast approaching! Here in the office, we are all very excited about the wide range of activities we have on offer. Our science week events coincide with British Science Week (8-17th March) and aim to celebrate all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Our fun, free and fascinating range of events will be led by expert academics, who will be sharing their knowledge and research in order to showcase the diversity of topics science plays a role in. So what do we have going on?
Masterclasses/Taster Talks
- Firstly a team of six academics are going out into schools to deliver exciting talks from venomous animals to space travel. We currently have 30 off-campus talks booked in over a four week period. These are a great way to deliver a taster into STEM areas to large school audiences through assemblies or science career days.
- Our on-campus masterclass programme also includes a wide range of topics; not only Biology, Physics, Maths and Engineering but also session’s people might not necessarily associate with traditional science subjects. Such as the science of comic books- delivered by our psychology department and Marvellous Map Making from our Natural Built Environment academics.
Dr Kathy Rawlinson a senior lecturer in Biomedical Sciences is eager to showcase our facilities here at SHU;
“Our master classes in molecular biology and synthetic chemistry provide the opportunity for students to have access to our laboratories and high specification instrumentation – putting into practice the theory they are learning about at school or college. Seeing how enthusiastic the students are to be able to apply theory to practice is what makes these sessions so great to run.”
- The pre-16 Fantastixxs Challenge day sees students building Stixxs structures out of newspaper to transport their egg (hopefully hard-boiled!), gaining skills in teamwork, problem-solving, budgeting, creative thinking and presenting.
- Whilst the post-16 STEM Innovation Day gives students a taster into different STEM topics and how a career in this area could see them tackling some of today’s big issues.
- Cybermaze is back for its second year, bigger and better! Students complete computer related activities around the campus in order to crack the code and open their boxes.
Dr Chris Bates our resident software expert and Cybermaze creator says- “Science week is a great opportunity to discover the range and depth of ideas, activities and technologies that are covered by the STEM banner. An activity such as Cybermaze gives participants the chance to discover that they can be excited about something such as programming that they might have previously avoided.”
Public/Community Events
- Ever thought about the Geology of Sheffield City centre? Well strap on those walking shoes because all those questions will be answered on Saturday 9th March by Peter Kennett during his geological walks
- Girl Guides and Scouts will be let loose on our healthcare equipment on Monday, learning how to test for those vital signs
- Research talks combine with science improvisation comedy on Wednesday night to create Science Week: Laughter Hours. TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
- Interested in Raspberry Pi? Come explore people’s projects and swap ideas at Thursday’s computing showcase
- Explore! Science and Engineering- on Saturday the 16th (12:00-16:00) we open up the university with a wide range of stalls for a day of free family fun and hands-on activity, no need to book just turn up!
Dr Rawlinson is the organiser of Explore!-“Public engagement is something that I am passionate about as a scientist. Having the opportunity to run an event like Explore! as part of Science Week at Sheffield Hallam is one of the highlights of my outreach calendar. Last year Explore! saw over 850 visitors and this year’s event is looking even bigger and better! Making STEM accessible to everyone and seeing young people have fun with science is what this event is all about for me”
