6 science-related things to do in Manchester
Published on 9 March 17
It’s British Science Week and to celebrate, we’ve put together a list of science-related things to do in Manchester.
Whether you fancy spending an evening rocking out to a silent disco at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), exploring the wonders of the universe at Jodrell Bank or learning about the human body with researchers from the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health – there’s lots of amazing science activities to get involved in and learn something new.
Discover how Manchester changed the world at MOSI
Find out about Manchester’s rich and impressive legacy of changing the world through its industrial innovations and scientific discoveries at MOSI. Here you can go back in time and see the working mills of 150 years ago in action and stand in awe of some of the transport that got Manchester moving.
At MOSI you can also have the chance to meet ‘Baby’ – the first computer to store and run a program. Watch volunteers run the replica ‘Baby’ and see how computing has developed since 1948 which took place right here in Manchester.
Set your mind free, imagine the future and discover the history of graphite and graphene with the Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond exhibition. First isolated by scientists at the University, graphene is invisible to the human eye, thinner than a human hair and 200 times tougher than steel. This world-premiere exhibition runs until 25 June 2017 and it’s one not to be missed.
For more information on MOSI and to plan your trip, click here.
Shoot for the stars at Jodrell Bank
Explore the wonders of the universe and learn about the workings of one of the biggest and most powerful radio telescopes in the world, the Lovell Telescope.
Jodrell Bank has lots of amazing things to discover including the Planet, Space and Star Pavilions and the Galaxy Gardens. Throughout the year, there’s a range of fun and interesting events taking place including stargazing nights, the renowned Lovell Lectures and ever-popular Girls Night Out event.
Whether you fancy going along for a day out or experiencing an out-of-this-world night stargazing, there is a lot to explore at Jodrell Bank.
Spend a night the museum with Sound and Music Late
Enjoy an evening with legendary Factory Records Designer Peter Saville, play the carrot clarinet and rock out to a silent disco at MOSI’s Sound and Music Late event.
A night like no other, the Sound and Music Late is your chance to make your own origami record player, create sweet music with sweet potatoes and watch sound being turned into fire. You’ll also be able to listen to Peter Saville discuss his work and delve into the Factory Records archive.
Throughout the event, the museum will also be revealing the results of the mass citizen science experiment ‘HookedOnMusic’ and presenting cutting-edge research on music and time perception with researchers from the University and Royal Northern College of Music.
And to top it all off, dance the night away at the silent disco! The event is free, but you’ll need to book a ticket to guarantee entry.
Get your festival fever on with Bluedot 2017
The bluedot Festival will return to Jodrell Bank from 7-9 July and will be an even bigger celebration of music, science and cosmic culture.
Described by The Guardian as “a boundary-breaking blend of science, music and technology” and Lonely Planet as “the best geeky festival”, there will be a host of new and returning musicians, scientists and artists including Goldfrapp, DJ Yoda, Joe Goddard and many more.
For tickets and more information about bluedot, click here.
Contribute to the local environment with the next Sustainability Seminar Series
The University’s Sustainability Seminar Series returns for another informative and thought-provoking session, this time focusing on health and wellbeing. In the seminar Dr Jeremy Carter and Kelly Watson ask the question ‘how do our buildings and green-space contribute to our wellbeing and infrastructure resilience?’
Following a range of presentations and discussions, the seminars aim to create a set of challenges that allow you to make a positive contribution to the campus and the city during your time at University. There’s also an opportunity for attendees to showcase any work relevant to the topic area – whether this be a poster or results from a student project.
The seminar will take place on Wednesday 26 April at 12:00 – 13:30 in G.205, Alan Turing. For more details and to register for the event, click here.
Take part in Big Saturday: The Body Experience at Manchester Museum
On Saturday 18 March, researchers from across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health will take over the Manchester Museum from top to bottom, allowing you to explore the human body from head to toe.
As part of British Science Week 2017, interactive stands and activities will be on offer to make your own mucus, hold real hearts and learn how milk is made. For more information, visit Manchester Museum’s website.