Building communities at the Science Oxford Centre
Thursday 2nd February 2023
We believe the Science Oxford Centre is for everyone. This February half-term, we’re doing things a little differently, and welcoming children and their families from Oxford-based community organisations to our Centre. Organised in partnership with The Parasol Project, Oxford Community Action and Asylum Welcome, our hands-on science-inspired programme will run throughout the week.
The Parasol Project are a local charity committed to readdressing the balance for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Based at Tower Playbase, Northway, they have been working with young people from across Oxford for over 30 years. The children will get a chance to try coding, and design cool tech to investigate the natural environment, taking their inspiration from our wildlife, woodland and ponds. From measuring water levels to detecting movement or temperature changes, we can’t wait to see what ideas they come up with to help the planet!
Other activities for groups during the week include a session in our Exploration Zone with over 20 interactive exhibits, and building and experimenting with marble mazes. Children will have fun designing their own ‘Mouse-tronaut’ and rocket cars, and see who can launch the highest! With different sized launch stations available, they will be tasked with figuring out which works the best, comparing their results with their peers and justifying their reasons. A popular challenge for grown-ups to join in too!
Our programme of community group-focused activities is designed to inspire and engage underserved communities with STEM, in our unique indoor-outdoor Centre in Headington. The collaboration with our partner organisations is made possible thanks to the STFC Impact Project , a grant awarded by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. You can view our Accessible Resources and guides to the Centre here.
Our Family Days and STEM Clubs continue to run on Saturdays in Oxford and Abingdon. You can also book ahead for our next Sensory-friendly Family Day on 1st April. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Photos: families visit the Science Oxford Centre with regional organisations for another community-focused project, Project Inspire, in 2022
