Oxford University Development, local groups, and departments and researchers at the University of Oxford are hosting a free ‘Science Wonder’ garden party on Saturday, 01 July, from 11.00am to 4.00pm in the walled garden at Begbroke Science Park. It promises to be full of fun, hands-on science activities for all ages.
Along with live music, food stalls and a festival feel for everyone to enjoy, the walled garden will be filled with scientists and researchers from Begbroke Science Park and Oxford University, local community groups and performers. The party also includes a free lunch – served from 12.30pm, with vegan options (first come, first served until the food runs out!).
During the free event, visitors can get up close to and be inspired by the exciting science and innovation happening at Begbroke Science Park and Oxford University and take part in experiments, lab tours, talks, games, and art and science activities.
The event includes ‘Oxford Sparks Live!’ – bite-sized talks from the University of Oxford researchers working on a diverse range of topics, with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.
Visitors will hear from Professors David Dupret and Demi Brizee about their work on brainwaves, Professor Tony Watts about mapping the deep ocean floor, and Professor Kevin Foster about microbial communities. Chenying Liu will show us how her passion for origami is helping her to design robots, and Lizzie Horton will tell us about her work on cancer cells.
The researchers have all previously created videos for Oxford Sparks, a platform for engaging with a wealth of exciting science taking place across the University of Oxford.
The party is designed to encourage people to visit Begbroke Science Park (part of Oxford University) and discover more about the innovative work that takes place there and at the University.
It builds on the Family Science Day activities that took place at Exeter Hall, Kidlington, this spring. The Family Science Days, hosted in partnership with Cherwell Collective, saw families attend free events during the February half-term and Easter holidays.
Visitors can find out more about cutting-edge technologies and community initiatives to help us live more sustainably. Visitors can also enjoy the following:
- Art and science activities – Recording Landscapes – a closer look at the area from Saxon times to the present day; nature walks and identification with architects Hawkins\Brown; a cyanotype and photogrammetry workshop exploring the local area with STORE Projects; and painting data with artist The Rodina
- Helping to build a local circular economy with Cherwell Collective
- Exploring the science of animal tracking with Wild CRU
- Meeting Spot the Robot with Oxford Robotics Institute
- Discovering innovations from Begbroke Science Park-based spin-outs, including Seloxium
- Bite-sized talks – Oxford Sparks Live!
- Helping the Kilsby Boat Project tell the story of the past, present and future of the canal
- Lab tours
- Taking part in a rocket launch with Curiosity Box
- Plus, music and more free activities for all ages
In line with its circular economy ethos, Cherwell Collective’s Oxford Party Library service has loaned equipment and kit for the upcoming event, and invited its partners Village Refill in Yarnton and Wild Oxfordshire, who will also have stalls on the day.
Oxford University Development’s CEO, Anna Strongman, said: “We’re warmly welcoming people of all ages to join us in the beautiful walled garden at Begbroke for this summer’s Science Wonder Garden Party.
“It’s a great way to find out about some of the exciting research and sustainable technologies being developed at Begbroke Science Park and Oxford University in a variety of hands-on ways that are fun for everyone.”
Getting to the Science Wonder Garden Party
- Free shuttle bus to and from the event – leaving from Yarnton, Begbroke, WISH (4 The Parade), Kidlington, and Exeter Hall, Kidlington.
- Please visit oud.co.uk/wonder for updated information, including collection points and times for shuttle buses.
- Cycle and car parking available, including accessible parking.
- Begbroke Science Park is situated at Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke OX5 1PF (entrance on A44).
