This year sees the 8th Manchester Science Festival taking place at the Museum of Science & Industry from 23rd October to 2nd November.

Last year’s Festival attracted over 89,000 visitors to over 150 events and exhibitions across Greater Manchester and since its launch in 2007, the MSF has engaged over half a million people creatively with science.

This year, supported by Siemens and Lead Educational Partner University of Salford, this fantastic family friendly event promises something for all ages and looks set to become a must-do activity for the coming half-term!

Commenting on Manchester Science Festival, Director, Marieke Navin said:

MSF 14 is an event for the whole family and for all of Greater Manchester. It is the jewel in MOSI’s crown and builds upon its ever-growing reputation as one of the best UK family friendly visitor attractions. We are thrilled to collaborate with so many other great city-wide venues to make this year so culturally diverse and innovative. We are also delighted to have the continued support of Siemens as we launch our eighth Festival.

In addition to the MOSI, over 40 other venues across Greater Manchester will also be taking part in this award-winning festival promoting the science that is all around us.

Kicking off on the 23rd October will be the Museum’s new 3D:printing the future exhibition. Over 300 3D printed items will be showcased, revealing how people from all fields (artists and designers to scientists and innovators) are able to apply this incredible new technology in their relative fields. From astonishing art works to replacement body parts, this exhibition explores 3D printing as a tool of the future. And if the kids fancy having a go themselves, why not take them along to one of the free hands-on and drop-in sessions which will be running throughout the festival for youngsters to make their own pair of 3D glasses which they will be able to take home.

Each day throughout the festival, a programme of interactive family-friendly events will be running at MOSI. Highlights include Pi: Platform for Investigation , which will enable visitors to experience cutting-edge science up close and in action, as well as the building of The Megamenger – made out of over a million business cards and encompassing the entire earth, it’s potentially the largest fractal ever built! With jungle discos, the science behind food and the #HookedOnMusic interactive quiz and show to experience, as well as a multitude of other exhibits, you certainly won’t be short of something to see or do during your visit.

If you can’t make it to MOSI, there are also lots of other venues across Manchester taking part in the Manchester Science Festival.

MediaCityUK
Enjoy a weekend of free fun at the University of Salford’s state-of-the-art MediaCityUK campus, where visitors can become on-screen stars as they discover the Marvels of Television, learn how communication tools have evolved from Semaphore to Smart Phone and play with Digital Retro technology.

Salford SciFest
Treat yourself to some liquid nitrogen ice cream, following which you can make seed bombs and meet robots, collaborate on an innovative iron oxide artwork and jump on board an outdoor broadcast truck.

The University of Manchester’s Science Spectacular
At Whitworth Hall and Manchester Museum, learn how to make square bubbles; help build an erupting volcano, carry out hands-on experiments and take part in a range of challenging and fun science quests. Working scientists and engineers – behind some of the world’s most amazing discoveries – will also be on-hand to answer questions.

And why not also discover some Ice Age Science and visit Manchester Museums’s brand new Siberia exhibition. Discover the science of how some animals survive in such a cold climate. Meet the woolly mammals, be inspired by bears and create some animals of your own in drop-in activity sessions.

Manchester Metropolitan University Science Extravanganza
At MMU, you will find hands-on activities, interactive workshops and science paraphernalia with lots of opportunities to experience and take part in a host of scientific activities.

The University of Bolton ‘Flashes and Bang Workshop’
The heat will really be turned up at this event, as you will see fire made from ice, hear a jelly baby scream and make exploding bubbles as the scientists at the University of Bolton look at the serious side of fires in a fun and educational workshop. Watch reactions between chemicals and see how dust explosions happen. This event promises to be a great and engaging way to interact with science, complete with experiments you definitely won’t see at school!

Young Fab Lab Academy
Book your place now on this five day course which runs from Monday 27th October, where art loving youngsters aged 11-14 can learn everything about the very latest digital fabrication technology throughout a week of creative challenges. Using state-of-the-art equipment – such as 3D printers and laser cutters – participants can design and build fantastic products ranging from remote-controlled robots, custom speaker systems to mini-keyboards. N.B. Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment. Charges apply.

Manchester Science Festival
23rd October – 2nd November 2014
Full listings and details of how to book are available online via http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com
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