Life Science Centre today (8 March) launches a 10-day celebration of science for all ages to mark the start of British Science Week, which this year coincides with International Women’s Day.
Families, adults and schools can take part in live shows, panel discussions and interactive workshops to explore science in an immersive way and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Groups of pupils from across the region visited Life today to join in the start of the 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), which runs from 8-17 March.
During British Science Week, nearly 2000 schoolchildren will be visiting Life for curriculum-linked workshops and centre visits.
Family activities include a special bubble show from guest performer Highland Joker (9-10 March), and a chance to explore the science of colour with guest experts from industry and academia (16 March). There’s also an adult debate on toxic social media influencers, the latest event in Life’s popular Science Speakeasy series (14 March).
This is in addition to the usual programme of activities at Life including live shows, experiments, making activities and a chance to learn more about the solar system in stunning 360-degree detail in the region’s largest and most advanced planetarium.
Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon said: “British Science Week provides a great opportunity to put a spotlight on the many ways that science and technology increasingly shape the world we live in.
“Life explores this through providing engaging and memorable experiences, many of which can be enjoyed during Science Week. We believe this is a critical first step in sparking interest in science for many young people and could lead to exciting and rewarding science-based careers for them.”
The launch of this year’s British Science Week, coincides with International Women’s Day, highlighting the gender divide that exists across most scientific fields.
According to a recent government report, women make up just 29% of the STEM workforce.
Linda added: “Sadly, women are still underrepresented in areas of science. Progress has been made but there is still a long way to go.
“International Women’s Day which takes place at the beginning of Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight this and to inspire more girls to think about a career in STEM.”
Life’s planetarium is the largest in the north and uses the most advanced technology available for ultra-rich, high-resolution visuals and wonderful sound quality to provide a unique, totally immersive experience.
“International Women’s Day, which this year coincides with British Science Week, is a time to celebrate the brilliant women working in STEM, and the great opportunities working in STEM can offer women.
“Here in the North East, I’m grateful that the Life Science Centre is helping to inspire the next generation of young women scientists. Everybody wins when we get more girls from all backgrounds into STEM.”