Cambridge Science Centre- a home for Science
On 8th February, the Cambridge Science Centre will be opening at 18 Jesus Lane. It is a space for interactive learning and discovery, as well offering a chance for all to appreciate just how amazing science can be. The main goal of the Science Centre is to bring science to people, whether that’s schoolchildren, parents or adults who have a passing interest but few means of satisfying it.
What we have been especially keen to emphasise is the collaborative nature of the Science Centre. The core team behind it form a menagerie of different backgrounds, experiences and approaches. We have individuals with chemistry or physics degree, years or research experience, who are business savvy and well versed in the art of public engagement.
The Science Centre also works with a broad range of researchers and communicators across the region, and so is able to draw on a diverse wealth of knowledge to design exhibitions for the public.
Our opening exhibition features the wonders of light, electricity and magnetism with an array of wonderful hand-built exhibit tables, where people can play with these natural phenomena.
We also pay homage to the researchers behind the discovery of the structure of DNA in honour of the 60th anniversary of that breakthrough. During the summer we will feature a long running exhibition on human perception: how the different senses work, how they affect how we perceive the world and what happens in perception disorders.
The Cambridge Science Centre also runs a strong outreach programme for local schools including engaging shows and interactive workshops for all stages of the curriculum. We will also be hosting some more adult evenings (yes alcohol will be included) as the year progresses.
We are especially keen to continue engaging with local researchers, especially women. We feel it’s very important that young people, girls in particular, have role models in the scientific community that they can look up to and learn from. Therefore, any collaboration with AWiSE- either the organisation as a whole or with individual members- will be very much welcomed.
Hope to see you in February after the opening.
Alice Kay