Explore the wonders of our planet at free interactive event in Falmouth

Join scientists on a journey to Love Your Planet! A series of mini talks will take visitors from the glaciers of Patagonia, across great oceans, through vast forests and back to the wildlife that lives in local gardens. As well as sharing their enthusiasm for their research, the experts will be on hand for visitors to challenge them with questions throughout the afternoon.

Six hands-on zones will give the public a chance to examine skeletons, meet mini-beasts and be introduced to the weird and wonderful sea creatures that live on the Falmouth shore.

Professor Stuart Bearhop from Biosciences at the University of Exeter said: “This fantastic free event gives scientists from our Cornwall Campus the ideal opportunity to share their knowledge, passion and expertise for science with the local community. 

“In particular, we are determined to give people of all ages the chance to experience the wonders of science at first hand through a series of talks and interactive sessions, and really explore the world around us in a fun, friendly and hands-on environment.” 

Science in the Square will provide everyone with the opportunity to not only learn more about the amazing science taking place in the inspirational environments of Cornwall, but also to become scientists for the day.

Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager and Chairman of the shore-side Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week organising committee said: “Science in the Square for 2012 was a fantastic event and 2013 promises to be even better. So much thought and effort goes into the planning of this very interactive addition to Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week, it is certainly something not to be missed.

The events are suitable for all ages but particularly for children of school age. There will also be a chance for visitors to get creative in the Craft Zone, have their faces painted and have a go on the bouncy castle.

Science in the Square takes place at Events Square in Falmouth, between 12-4pm on Friday 16 August. Entrance is free.

What’s on?

Bone zone: Discover skulls and skeletons, find out how limbs work and attempt the skeleton challenge.

Marine zone: Meet the weird and wonderful rocky-shore inhabitants that live right here in Falmouth.

Live zone: Get up close and personal with wild animals. Hold a cockroach and meet the other bugs and beasties that we study in our labs.

Mini beast zone: Learn to use a microscope and explore the magical mini-beasts of a garden pond.

Earth zone: See the amazing ways that scientists monitor the natural Earth, find out how glaciers move and design a building that can withstand an earthquake.

Craft zone: Get creative at our craft table with painting, colouring, mask making and face-painting, plus a free bouncy castle!

15-minute talks by our scientists

12:30 Love your oceans

Dr Celine Frere is a marine biologist with a passion for life in our oceans. She studies how animals like dolphins live together and how we can protect them.

13:30 Love your climate

Dr Stephan Harrison is a climate scientist who studies glaciers to work out how our planet is adapting to climate change.

14:30 Love your trees

Dr Britt Koskella uses state-of-the-art technology to study the health of our trees and how we can protect them from disease.

15:30 Love your wildlife

Dr Dave Hodgson is an expert on British wildlife who loves to spot the animals that live around us and explore how they live together in their environment.

For more information visit the Science in the Square website.