Writing poetry with code, gazing at stars and taking part in Chemistry experiments are just some of the activities you an expect from this year’s Festival of Science and Curiosity.
Returning for a fourth year, the festival will be running 14-21 February. It aims to provide opportunities for the people of Nottingham to express their curiosity and engage in science, technology, maths and engineering, learning and culture.
There’s something for people of all ages, and the events fall under four categories:
- Curious city: city-centre events on Saturday 17th such as:
- Explorers Fair at Broadway Cinema (www.explorersfair.com).
- Jurassic Diets and Sleeping Giants at Wollaton Hall (free)
- Hands-on Science at the National Videogame Arcade (free)
- Science in the Shopping Centre at intu Broadmarsh (free)
- Curious lates: programme for adults which includes science comedy from the renowned Gemma Arrowsmith, Steve Cross and Anna Ploszajski
- Curious communities: a series of community-based events in Bilborough, Bulwell and Sneinton libraries
- Curious conversations: events for science/education professionals.
The festival is organised through the Stemcity partnership which promotes opportunities for citizen engagement in science and technology, learning and culture. It aims to make Nottingham a city where everyone can feel confident about science and technology, and where young people are inspired to consider a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Partners include the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Trent University, the National Videogame Arcade, Broadway Media Centre, Ignite!, and STEM Learning.
Megan Shore, the 2018 festival’s co-producer, explained the purpose of the festival: “The festival aims to take science out from behind closed laboratory doors into the community, where regular people can get involved with it as something that is creative and part of our everyday lives. We really want to encourage people to express their curiosity, ask questions and get stuck in!”
Councillor Sam Webster, Portfolio Holder for Business, Education and Skills at the City Council, said: “I am delighted to see the festival return to Nottingham for its fourth year. By providing exciting hands-on experiences, Stemcity partners are demonstrating that STEM subjects are for everyone, and highlighting the many exciting career opportunities in these areas.”
More information, including events listings, can be found online at www.nottsfosac.co.uk
Twitter @NottsFOSAC