Experiment Zone

In Experiment Zone YOU are the scientist!

Carry our practical experiments using real tools and materials. Work on your own, in a team, or enlist the help of a friendly Explainer.

On now:

Crater creator: Become a crater creator by dropping balls of different masses onto sand – measure the impact and learn more about the asteroid that may have killed the dinosaurs.
Food tests: Become a scientist and test a variety of food and drinks to see if they contain sugar, starch or protein. Prepare test tubes with food and chemicals, add them to a hot water bath and let the colours reveal all! (9+)
Extracting DNA: Try your hand at science lab skills to extract and see wheatgerm DNA with your own eyes!
Investigating fingerprints: Become a forensic scientist and investigate your own fingerprints under a magnifying glass and see if you can find a match for your print!

(Activities are subject to change).

The Experiment Zone is for ages 7+, we restrict access to under 7s for safety reasons. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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Young visitor wearing safety goggles whilst completing a science experiment at Life Science Centre.

See inside Experiment Zone

Experiment Zone highlights

Look like a real scientist with a lab coat and goggles!

Experiments change throughout the year so there’s always something new to try.

Investigate a range of objects and materials through a microscope.

Use cool tools and equipment that you’d find in a real lab.

Take a look around...

A family of four looking through at test tube at bright green liquid in Life Science Centre's Experiment Zone.

Young boy wearing a camouflage cap and looking through a microscope assisted by him mum in Life Science Centre's Experiment Zone.

Life members looking through a microscope in Experiment Zone.

Mother and son carrying out an experiment together in Life Science Centre.

A North East family are working together to complete at experiment in Life Science Centre.

Father And Daughter, Learning Real Life Science In Experiment Zone.

Accessibility information

Experiment Zone features a range of experiments using real chemicals and science equipment. For safety reasons, Experiment Zone is for people aged 7+ only. Under-13s need to be supervised by an adult while they work.

Visitors may be asked to wear a lab coat and goggles for safety reasons. There are touchscreens on the benches and staff are available to assist.

Experiments change throughout the year but can include strong smells and unusual textures. Please speak to a member of staff before starting an experiment if you have any concerns.

To the right of the entrance to this area, the staff door may set off an alarm sound as people come in and out.

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