Our shows at the Science Oxford Centre are designed to engage children of all ages with intriguing and visual demonstrations that help to develop their understanding of scientific concepts. They provide lots of opportunities for discussion and higher-order thinking and children are encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas in an open and inclusive way.
Shows at the Science Oxford Centre
Wow to Wonder
Early Years and Years 1-2
In this fun, interactive show we ask children lots of questions to get them thinking. Which item is the odd one out and why? What do you think will happen next? Can you see a pattern? Can you spot the difference? Every child will be encouraged to contribute by discussing their ideas, conducting an experiment in pairs and sharing their observations.
Planetarium: An Astronaut's Adventure (January to March only)
Early Years and Years 1-2
Immersed in our inflatable dome, children will have a 360-degree view of the night sky above them. They will then embark on an adventure like no other, travelling into orbit, landing on the Moon, and much more. Afterwards, they will retell their journey through the medium of ‘space yoga’, embedding their learning with movement and music. In this mesmerising introduction to the ever-expanding subject of Space, children will be able to explore – and ask – the biggest questions in the known Universe.
Science Surprises
Years 3-6
The Science Surprises show aims to get pupils thinking What, Why and How? We’ll share a series of experiments with them that have an element of surprise and the children have to try and work out what has happened and why? How can you change one liquid into another? Why does the box suddenly fall? During the show, the secrets to some of these surprises are revealed, whilst others will be set as a ‘back at school’ challenge for children to come up with their own solutions.
Light Fantastic
Years 3-6
Making use of our fantastic theatre, this show is both spectacular and thought-provoking and gives children a good basis for understanding the requirements for light in the National Curriculum. See light travelling in a straight line, but also how it reflects on different surfaces. Think about your shadow and what causes it? Light is an endlessly fascinating subject but not easy to teach in a classroom. A dark theatre space offers great opportunities to explore light and dark in more depth.
Planetarium: Out in Space (January to March only)
Years 3–6
Immersed in our inflatable dome, children will have a 360-degree view of the night sky above them. They will learn about the movement of the Earth, Moon and other planets, relative to the sun in our solar system, how and why the sky changes throughout the year and tour some of the other bodies in our solar system. Children will be able to explore the stars in a learning environment that is out of this world.