Science fest makes learning fun

One way to get kids to show an interest in science is to make them a part of it. As part of this year’s Manchester Science Festival, a group of 12 – 19 year-olds were chosen to take part in a Dragon’s Den type challenge to find an event that will engage young people in science.

The young people (dragons) sat on a panel and a number of scientists pitched their ideas to them.

Three fourth year students from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Manchester had the winning pitch. Emma Cottam, Abi Hughes and Saambra Lian entered the den at the Zion Arts Centre in Hulme to present their idea for an interactive event about bacterial infections and treatment.

The university team will now go on to showcase a science event for families of secondary school children at the Zion Arts Centre on Monday 25 October, 3pm - 7pm.

At the event, each student will be transformed into a bacterium for the day, for example Saambra Lian will be known as ‘Sam Salmonella’ for the day. The day will end with a bacteria party where there will be cake to congratulate all participants who have been infected with wisdom.

The event is part of the Manchester Science Festival and is being supported by a generous Manchester Beacon Science Festival Award.

Manchester Science Festival runs from 23 – 31 October at various venues in Manchester including MMU, MOSI, Zion Arts Centre, The Manchester Museum and The Comedy Store. For the full listings visit manchestersciencefestival.