National Science Week, Social Science Week and Brain Awareness Week March 2006

Dr Phil Manning, Palaeontologist, The University of Manchester

National Science Week 2006 and Brain Awareness Week 2006
Yes, its that time of year again... the nation goes mad for science and scientists go mad for the public, chasing them with squidgy brains and sickly pink brain sweets. Watch out watch out there's a scientist lurking about!

Of course, The Manchester Science Group will be venturing out into Manchester to take science to the masses to gorge on (what more brain sweets?) and engage in...

EXHIBITIONS
A Day in the Life
March 10th - March 19th 2006
Kro Bar, Oxford Road, Manchester
Ever wondered what scientists actually do? David Bennett's photographs give a rare insight into the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of the everyday lives of scientists researching different aspects of our minds, bodies and universe.

ACTIVITIES
A Day in the Life - disposable cameras project
March 1st - March 30th 2006
A simple and fun way for scientists to get involved in communicating what they do to the public.
Its easy... document your day with a disposable camera - we want to see the ordinary and everyday lives of scientists behind the scenes.
To take part, email us on mansci@googlemail.com with A DAY IN THE LIFE in the subject line and we'll send you disposable camera pack and instructions.

Funded by Research Councils UK, a Wellcome Trust Value In People award and The University of Manchester

EVENTS
Helping Make Sense of the Brain
March 11th 2006, 11am - 3pm
The Manchester Museum
How well do you know your brain? What changes in the brain cause disease? Find out more at this exciting Brain Discovery Day where you can take part in hands-on activities and talk to young scientists doing different kinds of brain research.

Contact: Stuart Allan 0161 275 5255; stuart.allan@manchester.ac.uk

Helping Make Sense of the Brain
March 11th 2006, 9am - 6pm
Arndale Shopping Centre, Market Street, Manchester City Centre
How well do you know your brain? What changes in the brain cause disease? Explore these questions and more at the exciting Brain Discovery Stand where you can take part in hands-on activities and talk to young scientists doing different kinds of brain research.

Funded by Research Councils UK and The University of Manchester

Inquiring Minds
March 11th 2006, 2pm to 4pm
The Manchester Museum Science for Life Gallery
Explore the science of sound - demonstrations and radio programmes designed by Barlow RC High Year 8 Science pupils with science communicator, Dr Michelle Lockwood.

Funded by Creative Partnerships Manchester Salford

For listings of National Science Week events in your region goto:
http://http://www1.the-ba.net/the-ba/page.asp?selectPage=707

For listings of Brain Awareness Week events in around the world goto:
http://www.dana.org/calendar/search_en.cfm

Nottingham - Cafe Sci - a success!

The Nottingham crowd were very welcoming. Thanks to everyone for coming down and getting into the spirit of the new quiz format. 74 people packed out Cafe Wax to form 11 teams. After six tricky rounds of questions and demos on the senses...

The winning team was BOMBAY MIX with 36 points closely followed by:

=2nd THE WINNERS and SNOTTY on 34 points
4th TOP TABLE 2 with 31 points
=5th MOVING ON and THE CONDIMENTS with 30 points
=7th THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS and TOP TABLE with 28 points
9th SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL with 27 points
10th THE GENIUSES with 25 points
11th THE CHEMISTS with 19 points

A big thanks to the Cafe Sci team (Melanie, Sam and Chandram) and the bar staff at Cafe Wax in Nottingham for inviting us and making us feel so welcome. For future events at Cafe Wax check out this link http://www.cafe-scientifique.org.uk/index.html



Feedback from some of the participants on the night:

"Brilliant quiz - entertaining and informative"

"Very stimulating - learned something about me"

"Entertaining and educational - thanks!"

"Good demos and explanations"

"Loved it!"

"I learned more about myself tonight than i thought possible - informative, entertaining and challenging - fun!"

"Fascinating and tantalising"

"Experienced learning at its best"

"What a fab evening"

"Most stimulating"

"Great interactive session. Science truly can be fun!"

"Lovely evening, most enjoyable"

"Interesting fun evening. Interactive - nice to meet others at table"

"Excellent, goes to show how enjoyable science can be when it's interactive - and people know more science than they think! v.v. good"

"Had a great tine, enjoyed it alot!"

"Memorable and good fun"
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You know it makes sense is produced by the Manchester Science Group
Presented by Dr Ellen Poliakoff and quizmaster Barry Sloane
Quiz questions and demos designed by Dr Michelle Lockwood

Are you looking to have fun learning science or engage the public in science?

Get in touch! - we might have an event, workshop or exhibition that's right up your street.
Email the Manchester Science Team on mansci@googlemail.com