British Science Week is a celebration of science, technology and engineering! To celebrate British Science Week, we will be running several activities for teachers and students to explore change and adapt themes in science.
We’re inviting students in years 10-13 to join us on campus for a day packed with activities! Explore our departments in psychology, life sciences, engineering, and maths as they deliver exciting workshops, tasters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities inspired by this year’s theme: 'change and adapt'. Students can choose 2 tasters to attend, such as our psychology taster, 'How do our brains change and adapt to each other during social interaction?'
The Essex Science Exhibition will run from 10:00-2:30, and is open to bookings from school groups as well as individuals who would like to attend.
Choose from these exciting taster sessions:
- Brain-robot interfaces: Transforming Stroke Rehabilitation with Robotic Exoskeletons: Experience the future of robotics. See how EEG-based Brain-Robot Interface (BRI) technology is transforming mobility for stroke survivors with our innovative hand exoskeleton systems. We’ll showcase both 3D-printed hard exoskeletons and soft, pneumatic-controlled exoskeletons, highlighting the seamless connection between neuroscience and robotics. Discover how advanced AI algorithms decode brain signals into motor commands, enabling users to control devices with their thoughts. Don’t miss this chance to explore cutting-edge technology and its incredible potential to improve lives.
- Life out of thin air: the microscopic world of bioaerosols: Discover our research into microbial air quality in schools with this hands-on session. Students will learn how to extract microbes from air samples in our state-of-the-art labs and even contribute to our ongoing research. Each class will receive a kit to collect their own classroom air samples, which can be sent back to the University of Essex for analysis.
- How do our brains change and adapt to each other during social interaction: Discover how our brains connect during social interactions in this interactive session. Using cutting-edge tools like functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning, we’ll observe brain activity from multiple people in real-time and show how their brains become ‘synchronized’—literally ‘on the same wavelength.’ Learn how brain-to-brain synchrony relates to the quality of interactions and relationships, and explore the fascinating science behind human connection.
- Predators v Prey – who wins? Maths decides: In this session we explore the mathematics underpinning the dynamics of ecosystems and species survival. By simulating a simple predator-prey scenario we attempt to form mathematical models that demonstrate population stability over time and explore how environmental factors can influence these systems.
- A Day in the Life of a Sports Scientist: Test Your Limits!: Step into the world of sports science and test your fitness! In this interactive session, you'll measure your athletic abilities with fun challenges like vertical jumps, reaction time, and grip strength. Explore the science behind peak performance and see how data drives sports success!
The programme for the Essex Science Exhibition, including futher details of planned activities and timings for the day can be found on our website.