Spectrum of science celebrated at Rochdale Summer Science Extravaganza

Date published: 29 August 2019

The very first Rochdale Summer Science Extravaganza, which celebrated the spectrum of science, was a smash hit on Sunday (25 August).

Jam-packed with exploration, discovery and experiments for all the family, around 600 people attended the event, hosted by the Rochdale Science Initiative CIC, at Kashmiri Youth Project, where the main car park was swamped with science-related activities.

The Rochdale Science Initiative CIC's aim is to create inclusive science engagement opportunities, and take these opportunities directly into the heart of the Rochdale community.

Helen Seymour, Rochdale's education officer for Dippy on Tour, showcased many dinosaur artefacts and helped young people exhume dinosaur eggs and fossils at a special dinosaur dig.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106274/dippy-the-dinosaur-is-coming-to-rochdale

Jennifer Mutch and Steven Leech from the Science and Industry Museum explored the engineering behind bridges with families, whilst the Institute of Physics’ chillout zone was very busy with families playing various science-related games.

The Living Well stand advised on all the help available in Rochdale for a healthier lifestyle, whilst Rochdale Science Initiative CIC scientist Divya taught young people how to make lava lamps and slime.

Inside the Kashmir Youth Project centre, winners from Rochdale's Got Science Talent displayed the winning performances and received their prizes.

Seven-year-old Maryam, who attends Whittaker Moss School, gave a passionate speech on why science is important, and 14-year-old Anjum, a student of Rochdale Islamic Academy, made a passionate plea to look after our world.

Rochdale CIC’s own scientist Hasina Begum gave the audience an insight into the benefits of sound and haptic technology (touch technology).

Zoo2U’s exotic array of animals and the Aqualease rockpool experience went down a storm with the families, providing a remarkable hands-on experience with species such as mussels, crabs, blennies and starfish.

The Immersive Experiences Planetarium gave families a front row seat to the stunning spectacles of the night sky, whilst families were wowed by Kakou's robotic cars, which completed a few laps of a maze circuit.

A full family-friendly theatrical science show was performed by Fun-Science, based on 'Young People in Science'.