The Greater Manchester Great Science Share is a pioneering event featuring hundreds of schoolchildren. Aimed at inspiring future scientists, its child-led programme celebrates creativity and innovation.
Designed for children, by children, this unique event at Manchester City Football Club brings together over 70 schools to explore scientific ideas, focusing particularly on those aged 7-11.
A Unique Science Gathering
The Great Science Share is an extraordinary initiative, positioning itself as the UK’s only science event of its kind. What sets it apart is not just the participation of hundreds of schoolchildren, but the event’s core design being constructed by children, for children. Its mission is to inspire creativity and innovation within young minds, offering a platform where science is both celebrated and shared.
With over 70 schools from Greater Manchester and beyond coming together, the event builds upon the momentum of the European City of Science. This initiative seeks to re-establish a strong connection between children and science, making education both engaging and accessible. The University of Manchester plays a pivotal role, ensuring the involvement of children across diverse age groups, with a highlighted focus on those aged 7-11.
Participants delve into sports science, presenting creative inquiries at the Manchester City Football Club training campus. Questions like ‘Do people with longer legs jump further?’, ‘Do larger feet slow you down?’, and ‘Is a left-footed player better at scoring goals?’ are just a few examples showcasing how children will explore and discover answers together on this day.
From a Seed to a Blooming Event
The Great Science Share is an evolution from previous successful events such as the Business of Science Conference and the Great Science Teachmeet. Held at the Museum of Science and Industry, these events laid the groundwork for an interactive and dynamic science-sharing culture amongst young people.
Dr Lynne Bianchi of the University of Manchester, a key organiser, highlights the event’s growth from just 37 schools to a significantly larger number of national and local collaborations. She emphasizes that no other event across the UK truly matches its uniqueness. By allowing children to lead the initiatives and share their own ‘science stories’, the event makes primary science visible and valued.
Empowering Young Minds
The ethos of the Great Science Share is rooted in empowerment and engagement. The children are encouraged to lead, with adults stepping back to allow younger voices to be heard and celebrated. This approach fosters confidence as these young scientists take ownership of their projects and presentations.
Taking place in Manchester, a city renowned for its historical contributions to science and engineering, the event is aptly located. By involving young participants, it taps into the city’s rich scientific and innovative spirit, inspiring a new generation to follow in the footsteps of past pioneers.
Dr Bianchi remarks on the event’s success, “It’s just a fantastic event and so fitting that it stems out of Manchester, a city that’s built on science and engineering innovation and achievements.”
Fun, Learning, and Music
Scheduled for July 5, the Great Science Share is not just about scientific inquiry but also a celebration of fun and learning. An exciting addition this year is the ‘Great Science Groove’, a special song crafted specifically for the event.
The song was collaboratively created by the University of Manchester, Halle Education, Dance Manchester, and Derby High School. This musical element adds a unique dimension to the day, intertwining science and the arts to create a rich, educational experience.
The initiative promises a day filled with exploration, learning, and music, appealing to a wide range of interests and reinforcing the fact that science can be both educational and entertaining.
Manchester City FC’s Role
Manchester City Football Club plays a crucial role in hosting this year’s Great Science Share, providing their training campus as the venue. This collaboration not only provides a unique setting but also introduces an element of sports science and its practical applications.
Utilizing this iconic venue underscores the importance of integrating science with everyday activities, such as sport, to make learning relatable and comprehensive. It connects athletic concepts with scientific exploration, offering students diverse perspectives on how they experience and understand the world.
Future Implications
The implications of the Great Science Share stretch beyond the event itself. By fostering a culture where children feel connected to science, it lays the groundwork for future scientific exploration and potential careers.
Through initiatives like these, young participants gain valuable skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, essential tools for any future endeavour. Encouraging such skill development in formative years ensures that children remain curious and engaged with scientific concepts throughout their education.
A Truly Collaborative Effort
The success of the Great Science Share is attributed to the collaboration between educational institutions, local organisations, and community stakeholders. Manchester’s rich heritage in science acts as a perfect backdrop, enhancing the event’s atmosphere and impact.
The Great Science Share stands as a testament to Manchester’s historical legacy in science and innovation. By focusing on education, creativity, and inclusivity, it promises to inspire a future generation of scientific thinkers.
With its child-centric approach and a blend of education and entertainment, the event underscores Manchester’s role as a hub for nurturing youthful curiosity and enthusiasm towards science.