Mini robots, miraculous materials, and marvellous medicines

Returning for a 6th year, our University-wide family fun science day – Science Spectacular, welcomed over 1,421 visitors to Manchester Museum. With more than 30 interactive science stalls on offer, the event was delivered by more than 180 researchers, and supported by 30 science buskers, and 10 student volunteers.

This year was a Museum takeover as we danced with mini-robots and coded Halloween themed games with Minecraft in the rafters, we got to grips with our amazing minds and bodies and built DNA superheros (capes optional!) in the galleries, we played with moon rocks next to Stan the Dinosaur, explored the universe with our astronomers and discovered how materials of the future are changing the way we live.

We asked one of the researchers involved in the event, Joseph Monaghan, what he thought: “As a new PhD researcher at the University, to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they used the impact tester to smash chocolate bars to smithereens, reminded me of the sheer joy science can bring to all of us. And the importance of outreach events such as the Science Spectacular, in starting children on their journey to becoming scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions in the future.”

And what did some our visitors think? One parent said: “Absolutely brilliant I couldn’t drag the kids away”.

Another said: “I learnt a lot myself, and it’s so nice to discover new things together as a family! I was amazed by the fact that everything was free too. Making science accessible and learning free.”

As a key event in the Manchester Science Festival, Science Spectacular has become a firm family favourite. Next year we return bigger and better – once again taking over Manchester Museum and our historic Whitworth Hall. Yes folks the secret corridor is back! So save the date – Saturday 21 October 2017 – as we prepare for even more creative, playful, and surprising science.