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How Does It Work
27 July 2025 @ 12.00pm to 4.00pm
About How Does It Work
Ever wondered how our ingenious scientific instruments work?
Join our volunteers for an afternoon getting hands-on with some of our collections — and see our amazing objects in action.
And if you’re visiting as a family, why not grab a Light and Space backpack to explore science stories in every gallery?
What’s on
Light and Space Backpacks
Explore science stories with hands-on activities throughout the galleries.
We worked with students from Iffley Academy special school and scientists from the Rutherford Appleton Space Lab to design these inclusive SEND-friendly packs that will appeal to children of all ages, with our SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).
Get hands-on with real objects
Our team will show you ingenious scientific devices — so you can get hands-on and experience how they worked in practice.
Family Scavenger Hunt Trails
From Spot the Animal to Mission: Morse Code, discover a world of stories, puzzles, and treasures with our Family Scavenger Hunt trails.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Free event; drop-in.
Dates & times:
Saturday 26, Sunday 27 July, and Saturday 30 August 2025 from 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Sunday 31 August from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Age guidance:
7+
All welcome. Activities for adults and families
Good to know:
As these weekends are led by our volunteers, we may sometimes have to postpone or cancel them if someone is ill. Our apologies in advance if that does happen. We’ll let you know on the website and on social media if we have to change dates and times.