Science Week 2024 - Durham University

British Science Week 2024

Our staff and students have been out and about in schools across the region to celebrate British Science Week 2024. We've been supporting young people in running experiments, holding hands-on workshops and talking about all things science throughout the week. Take a look at some of what we've been up to.

What are things made of?

To kick off the week, a team of six PhDs and PDRAs from our Department of Physics visited Rydal Academy in Darlington to talk about science to 90 students across three sessions in Year 1. Activities were based around the idea of ‘What Are Things Made Of?’ and included why objects make different sounds when struck, making tunes with improvised trumpets, why we wouldn’t make a teddy bear out of ice cream, how rainbows work and why kitchen roll doesn’t make a very good umbrella!

Read more about how we work with schools

Team from Durham Physics pose outside Rydal school in Darlington

This week we have had so much fun with experiments, smelly potions and investigating materials and objects. Most of us want to be scientists when we grow up!

Pupils at Hamsterley School

Durham Dales Federation celebrating British Science Week

Stargoal comes to Oxclose Primary Academy

This week we also joined up with Oxclose Primary Academy to explore the topics of sport and science. The Stargoal team worked with school staff to investigate links between football and astronomy, by taking part in active workshops, playing games and learning about inclusive sport from our student volunteers.

Find out more about Stargoal

Pupil takes part in Stargoal activities at Oxclose Primary Academy

What is a University? As discovered by the children of Peases West Primary School.

Pupils asked members of our community to answer, "What is a University and what could it mean for you?" We're surrounded by some amazing people doing extraordinary things. British Science Week is a great way to engage the next generation by exploring some of the fascinating things that happen here in Durham.

Find more about our programmes