Summer holiday science club returns for 2017

Exploring bubble science, programming robots and building marble runs are just some of the activities that budding young scientists can try during Northumbria University’s annual Think Week.

Taking place from Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August, Think Week features a wide variety of interesting experiments that will allow young people to explore and discover new areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Aimed at nine to 12 year olds, the five-day club takes place in Northumbria’s Think Lab and also includes a visit to the Centre for Life’s new Dino Jaws exhibition.

The science-based summer school has been organised by Northumbria’s NUSTEM team, which aims to encourage and inspire the next generation of STEM students through a wide variety of educational events.

NUSTEM Primary Outreach Specialist Joe Shimwell said: “This is the fourth year we have held our summer holiday Think Week and it’s a great opportunity for young people to make new friends while having a go at lots of fun experiments right here in Northumbria’s specialist science labs.

“During the week we’ll be experimenting with giant bubbles, printing designs on our 3D printers and going out with microscopes to see what mini-beasts we can find, to name just a few.

“Our experienced NUSTEM team work closely with children in local schools and are passionate about bringing science to life for young people.”

Some of the activities taking place during Think Week are:

• Computer programming with Arduino robots
• 3D printing and design with Northumbria’s own 3D printers
• Bubble science
• Field study with microscopes in Exhibition Park
• Building marble runs
• Engineering challenges
• Scientific experiments in Northumbria’s Think Lab
• Meeting new people and making new friends
• Visiting the Dino Jaws exhibition at the Centre for Life

Think Week takes place from Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August, from 10am to 4pm each day. The cost is £80 for five days and includes entry to the Centre for Life. Please note, children are expected to bring their own packed lunch.

For more information about Think Week 2017 and to book a place, please visit http://nustem.uk/thinkweek