5 hours ago
Emma Bowe, BBC News, Cambridgeshire
Emma Bo/BBC
“The children who visit are able to experiment, fail, face their own challenges and feel a great sense of accomplishment,” John Bull said.
A centre designed to encourage children to “dream of a future as a scientist” has moved to a permanent, more accessible location.
Cambridge Science Centre is based at its new home in Cambridge Science Park, offering 20 interactive experiments and installations for young visitors.
The charity, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, hopes this will inspire children and foster a lifelong love and interest in STEM (science, engineering, technology and maths).
“Too many kids decide that science isn’t for them,” said CEO John Bull. “We want to show them that science can be fun and exciting.”
Emma Bo/BBC
Cosmo said he had fun playing with the gear you can see in the back.
“Students can test, experiment, fail, rise to their challenges and feel a great sense of accomplishment, which is very important for society as a whole,” he added.
“It’s been so much fun playing with all my friends here and with all the new things,” agreed 6-year-old Cosmo, who was visiting from school.
He was able to explore interactive exhibits covering a variety of Stem themes, from AI to zoology.
Science communicator Mario Satchwell said: “Getting kids exploring science is great because every time they do it and from every child they meet they learn something new and the moment never gets old.”
Emma Bo/BBC
Mario Satchwell said the children who visited learned how fun science can be.
The centre was originally based on Jesus Lane in the city centre and has since hosted a series of pop-up events.
It is currently based in Science Park’s Trinity Centre and is surrounded by 70 cutting edge Stem companies.
Mr Bull said having a permanent base in north Cambridge was “absolutely important, particularly for young children who face many barriers”.
“We need to create experiences like this to inspire the hearts and minds of kids, spark their interest in science, inspire their dreams for the future and show them that they too can become great scientists. [where they] “I’m going to keep learning and working at it,” he said.
