See some of the most exciting science and meet the best and friendliest inventors in town for free. Try out dozens of interactive activities and demonstrations suitable for all ages.
For one hour, from 11am, Explorazone will be open just for adults and children and the families of those who are within the autistic spectrum or who have other neurodiverse conditions. Join the researchers to explore and discuss science and ideas in a quieter and less-crowded space.
Please help us keep track of venue capacity by booking your approximate arrival time. You can arrive at any time during your half-hour arrival slot, then stay for as long as you like. Last entry 4.30pm, event closes at 5pm.
Activities include:
Risky business – environmental hazards!
What are the hidden dangers from radiation and chemicals in the environment? How can you protect yourself and loved ones? Have fun learning about a range of risks, explore what you can do to look after your health, and separate fact from fiction.
UK Health Security Agency
Sound the alarm: the DNA damage response
DNA is the blueprint for life, but what if yours becomes damaged? Explore the ways a cell can detect and repair damage in the genome. Find out what happens if these processes go wrong and see how scientists try to visualise these complex pathways.
Dept of Biochemistry, University of Oxford
Quantum computing – tackling today’s challenges
Explore quantum computing through a mesmerising interactive activity: watch individual dust particles dance and manipulate their movements. Meanwhile, learn how scientists can use very similar systems to perform quantum computations.
National Quantum Computing Centre
Shaping Destiny: experiments in embodiment
Your genes shape your body, but other factors influence your sense of self, relationships, and destiny. Young dancers from Oxford worked with choreographers and digital artists to interpret research on human embryo formation and medieval perceptions of the human form through immersive virtual reality art.
Dept of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford
The wonderful world of water
Explore how to help keep your local waterways clean and healthy. Experiment with ways to harness the power of water, discover river and pond wildlife and get involved with projects that have a positive impact on your local water habitats.
Cotswolds National Landscape
Environmental detectives
Earth, air, and oceans… on a table. Be wowed by a smoking demonstration of how increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere lead to ocean acidification and become an environmental detective. Identify some mystery river-water samples, dig up microplastics invading the ecosystem and find the plastics floating in the ocean.
Royal Society of Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Group
Superconducting magnets in MRI
Explore the insides of the machines used to diagnose tumours, clots and tissue damage. Take a look at the curious and cool world of cryogenics, the low-temperature technology, design and manufacture of superconducting magnets in Oxfordshire.
Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology
Who you gonna call? Myth -busters!
Have you ever been told that humans only use 10% of their brains? Or that carrots improve eyesight? Meet scientists to discuss and debunk myths and misconceptions of biology. Discover how some bodily beliefs are wrong and why they were embraced as scientific fact in the first place.
Dept of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford
And much more...
Saturday 8 October - 11am – 5pm
Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DH
Pre-book, PWYD
Age 7 – 12, Teenage, Adult
Interactive
