Carnivals and playdays
Bringing thrilling science demonstrations to community festivals, playdays, and public events across Nottingham and beyond. Discover how hands-on physics and chemistry capture the imaginations of visitors of all ages.
Crowd-pleasing open-air experiments
Passers-by can never resist stopping to see what happens when balloons meet sub-zero liquid nitrogen. Watch balloons rapidly shrink and reinflate before your eyes, see tomatoes freeze solid, and marvel at dry ice forming inside balloons. Complete with rapid ice-cream making and spectacular balloon pops, safety glasses are provided so children can step forward and experience genuine scientific wonder up close.
Drop-in community discoveries
At carnivals and town playdays, there are no rigid timetables. The demonstration table operates as a vibrant, continuous drop-in session tailored to whoever gathers round. Every child is encouraged to ask questions, explore the physical principles at play, and take part in safe, guided hands-on moments that spark a genuine interest in physics.
Museum showcases and science days
Alongside carnivals, structured demonstration sessions are regularly held at local heritage hubs and science centres. A favourite venue is Nottingham's historic Green's Mill Science Centre, featuring events supported by the Institute of Physics. Parents and children alike enjoy shared moments of discovery, often staying behind to chat, ask questions, and capture memorable family photographs.