Enquiring young minds are set to be inspired at the University of Leeds’ flagship family event, Be Curious.
Visitors to the event, on Saturday 17 May, will find answers to those burning “why” questions with a huge range of interactive activities.
Taking place from 10am-4pm, campus will be packed with hands-on experiments and eye-opening discoveries for families to get involved with – and it’s completely free to attend.
From discovering how medicine helps us, to learning more about artificial intelligence (AI) and self-driving cars, experts are ready to spark curiosity with fun events for children of all ages, including:
- Discover the hidden sugar and acid in your favourite drinks by joining in with a fun challenge to see how they affect eggshells – and your teeth!
- Explore your amazing heart by finding out about blood types, checking your pulse and learning why keeping your heart healthy is so important.
- Learn how antibiotics affect the bugs in your stomach and play some poo-themed and bug-themed games.
- Knock down the nasty germs with your immune cells! Learn how your body fights infections – can you defeat the germs?
- Do you have what it takes to be a future laser scientist? Play with lasers, learn about light and what scientists use it for.
- Decode a message to make a protein from DNA, just like your cells do. And take home your own ‘protein’ keychain!
- Play a fun memory game with Laura the dragon and learn about memory, attention, and other skills your brain uses every day!
- Find out how we can build the networks and computers of the future to create the quantum internet.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “Be Curious is a fantastic way of showcasing the ground-breaking discoveries happening right here at the University of Leeds to the next generation and their families.
“Children love to ask ‘why’, and our amazing researchers and staff can’t wait to answer their questions.
“We aim to spark curiosity, inspire children and create meaningful connections between research and the wider world.”
Activities are spread across three different buildings: Parkinson Court, Michael Sadler Building and Leeds University Union, as well as outside spaces, where children can try out fun sports including rugby, netball and football with University students.
And for the first time this year, Scout and Guiding groups keen to add to their badge collection can pick up a special ‘Be Curious’ badge on the day.
Families can start their adventure at the Be Curious entrance by the Parkinson Court steps on Woodhouse Lane, where the team will be waiting with a map and answers to any questions.
To book free tickets and for more information about the activities, visit the Be Curious website.
Further information
Image credit: Dustin Smith Skywall Photography
For further information, please contact Corporate Communications officer Becky Pascoe on r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk