Explore your Universe
Atoms to Astrophysics
Book a 10–13 Workshop
To book a workshop email think.physics@northumbria.ac.uk with details of your school, class size and suggested dates.
Explore your Universe is a national project which aims to inspire more people across the UK with the wonders of the physical sciences, by sharing amazing stories and technologies. Think Physics at Northumbria University is an Explore your Universe regional partner. With support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council we’re delivering workshops and activities across the North East, showing how cutting edge research links to the science you’re learning in school.
Choose from our range of workshops below, or get in touch if you have specific requirements.
10–13 Workshop: Atoms to Astrophysics
For Key Stage 3
Location: In-school or at Think Lab, Northumbria University.
What do we mean by Physics? What do physicists study? Students often aren’t sure what the different sciences cover.
This workshop explores the range of physics from atoms to astrophysics. It also looks at where the topics studied in school are used in cutting edge research, and how useful that is.
Topics covered include: the structure of the atom, light and electromagnetic waves, microscopes and telescopes, and satellites.
The workshop can be adapted for different year groups.
14–16 Workshop: Sunshine and Space Weather
For Key Stage 4
Location: In school or at Think Lab, Northumbria University.
This workshop uses the Sun as a starting point to explore our Universe. Students find out why magnetic fields are important to life on Earth, learn about the causes of space weather and the aurora borealis, and discover why satellite designers need to know about sunspots.
Topics covered include: Electromagnetic spectrum and waves, charged particles in magnetic fields, and satellite orbits.
14–16 Workshop: Space Maths
For Key Stage 4
Location: In school or at Think Lab, Northumbria University.
Space is big! In this workshop we’ll look at how using scale models can bring the solar system down to size. Students will be able to investigate meteorites – the oldest object they will ever hold – and how we can use them to calculate the age of solar system.
We’ll also find out what cake decorations can show us about the Sun.
Book a 14–16 Workshop
To book a workshop email think.physics@northumbria.ac.uk with details of your school, class size and suggested dates.
The Family Show
For all the family
Location: Think Lab, Northumbria University or at your school, community centre, or public venue
Join us for a highly charged and intriguing 45 minutes. From discoveries about outer space and our Universe, to exploring how light and electricity work, this show might even make your hair stand on end. Led by Northumbria University this new science show brings alive the latest science being explored by scientists and engineers associated with the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
We dive into the world of atoms and particle accelerators, explore how light travels, look at some materials with unusual properties and talk about how we observe the Universe. After the show you will also be able to get hands-on with a variety of family-friendly science activities.
All ages are welcome, although the show is best suited to children able to sit for the 45mins.
Book a Family Show
To book a family show email think.physics@northumbria.ac.uk with details of your audience or community, age range, likely audience size, and preferred dates.
Meet the Expert: Solar Physicist
Can be tailored to all age groups
Dr. Richard Morton / Krishna Mooroogen, our resident Solar Physicists
Step into the world of solar physics: the study of our sun. Northumbria hosts a leading solar physics research group, and in this session members of the group bring their research to life by introducing a solar telescope, explaining what we can learn about our Universe from the study of the sun, and sharing real images and sound recordings captured through the latest technologies.
Book a Meet the Expert Session
To book a meet the expert session email think.physics@northumbria.ac.uk with details of your school, year group, class size and preferred dates.
