Our engaging and fun Summer of Discovery uses different elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths to engage children in activities that will help them ask thoughtful questions, discover answers, apply what they learn, and develop creative solutions to problems. 

Summer of Discovery has been made possible with the kind support of the Royal Society.

 

FREE Launch Event with Professor Pumpernickel

Tuesday 26 July 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 4pm

Professor Pumpernickel travels the country with his laboratory of lunacy. His mission is to enthuse all ages and abilities about science in hope of seeding some of our future inventors, explorers, life savers and superheroes.

If you like fire, explosions, loads of mess and mind-bending magic, you'll love Pumpernickel.

Join us for our summer of Discovery launch where you can experience a taster of our summer programme as well as live science experiments from Professor Pumpernickel in the Percival Guildhouse Gardens.
No booking required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Mini Inventors

These themed sessions will delight and inspire your little inventor and spark their curiosity, imagination and desire for experimentation.

Ages 6 and under
£2.50 per child

 

Dates
10 August Outdoor Water Play and Art*
18 August Construction Challenges
23 August Shadows, light and colour
31 August 3D bubble wands*  
Time
10.30-11.30am 
New sessions added for the 10, 23 and 31 August at:
11.45am-12.45pm

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are free.
* session takes place in the Percival Guildhouse Gardens

Invention lab

Experiment with science, technology, engineering, art and engineering (STEAM) in these fun and engaging lab sessions. Have a go at coding, circuit building, stop motion animation, and robotics. 

Ages 7  and over 
£2.50 per child
 

 

Dates
12 August Stop Motion Animation*
17 August Stop Motion Animation*
25 August 3D Drawing and Circuits
30 August Robotics and Circuits
Times
10.30-12.30pm and 2-4pm
New sessions added 
26 August Robotics & Circuits
2 September 3D Drawing & Circuits
10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm

* max three to a table one must be the accompanying adult
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are free.

Science of Sculpture

Inspired by our exciting Louise Bourgeois Exhibition, explore the properties of different materials and the science behind structures, in these fun, problem solving sessions.

Ages 6 and over 
£2.50 per child

 

Dates
28 July Sticky brick sculptures
5 August Clay Creations
9 August Mod Roc Sculptures
19 August Moving Cog Sculptures
24 August Stacking Sculptures
1 September Balance Sculptures 
Times
10.30-12.30pm

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are free.

FREE Live Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) demonstrations by the University of Warwick

Wednesday 24th August 10-12pm & 12.30-4pm

Robotics, Computer Code, and Live experiements
Join Prof. Margaret Low and Dr Phil Jemmett from WMG (University of Warwick) for live demonstrations of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Phil will showcase live science experiments, demonstrate a robotic arm, and give you a tour of all things science. Margaret will show you how to create beautiful patterns you with simple computer code, and stitch them into fabric with a digital embroidery machine (age 10+) at this free drop in session.

Suitable for ages 6 and over. 

FREE Local heroes hunt 

Discover many of our local heroes and inventors by hunting out their portraits that are hidden around the building.

When
Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm & Saturday/Bank Holiday 10am-4pm (no booking required)

Not available during Relaxed hour sessions

Relaxed Hour

During this dedicated timeslot, those with additional needs can explore the exhibitions in their own time, and take part in a facilitated workshop without the usual day to day distractions. 
When
Wednesday 3rd August
4-5pm   Circuits and 3D drawing
Saturday 3rd September
10-11am Stop motion animation & Robotics

Both adults and children must book a space on all activities. Adults are FREE 

FREE National Play Day

When
Wednesday 3 August 
11am - 3pm
Our team will be joining in with the summer fun at Whitehall Recreation ground alongside the Play Rangers at their annual play day. We will be bringing a taster of our summer of science activities to the event.