Science in the Square 2018

Visitors to the University of Exeter’s 2018 Science in the Square event pondered global scientific questions alongside some of the best researchers in the country.

The free educational science outreach event was organised by staff and students based at the College of Life and Environmental Sciences on the Penryn Campus, and took place in Events Square, Falmouth, on Friday 17th August as part of the annual Falmouth Week festivities.

University of Exeter scientists delivered some interactive talks throughout the afternoon in areas of their own expertise, all based on the theme ‘Weird Science’. The audience learnt about the bizarre and remarkable life cycle of aphids, the annual trek land crabs make to the sea to release their eggs, and the diverse range of jellyfish that can be found in our oceans, such as one that looks like a fried egg! During each talk, young audience members had an opportunity to get involved, and both ask and attempt to answer questions posed by the researchers.

Visitors took advantage of the host of demonstrations, activities and interactive zones on offer for children of all ages on the day. In the Bone Zone guests had an opportunity to examine animals’ skulls, or wild marine animals in the Marine Zone. Children were encouraged to get creative in the Craft Zone, have their faces painted and have a go on the free bouncy castle.

Dr Sarah Hodge, Senior Lecturer in Zoology at the University of Exeter Penryn Campus, said “Science in the Square gives us the opportunity to encourage and inspire people of all ages to find out more about science. It also provides us with a way to give something back to the local community that supports us in so many ways.”

Photographs from the day can be viewed on the Science in the Square Facebook page.

Find out what happened at Science in the Square 2017.