Public Programme in South Yorkshire 11–20 March 2011

With manufacturing back on the national agenda, the Sheffield City Region understands its need to stake its claim as a global leader in advanced engineering and manufacturing innovation. Subsequently, public and private sector partners from across the city region are uniting to create a series of focused events, practical workshops, exhibitions and conferences to promote its local manufacturing industry. This will take place under the umbrella of the Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield, which is being designed to celebrate, promote and improve manufacturing in the Sheffield City Region. It will strive to change the perception of the industry amongst the education and business communities and the general public, and appeal to local, national and international audiences.

The Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield will take place during w/c 14 March 2011, to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week 2011.

For more information please visit www.globalmanufacturingfestival.com

In the Biomedical Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, researchers have a wide range of interests in understanding disease mechanisms as well as developing and applying state of the art laboratory analytical techniques to investigate the mechanism involved. This has an overarching aim in that once we can understand the causes and progression of the disease then strategies to develop new treatments can be devised.

We have a team of staff who are researching a number of brain diseases, in collaboration with clinical and academic colleagues at other universities. This presentation will provide a brief insight into five of these areas of research which include: Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. An initial introduction will provide the basic information on the organisation of the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) and the cell types which are required for the healthy brain to function correctly. We will then go on to explain how the 5 neurological conditions mentioned above develop. There will also be an opportunity to meet the members of the research team informally after the lecture:

Dr Caroline Dalton is looking at how a person’s DNA may affect the way some psychiatric patients respond to drugs. In particular the effect which genetics may have upon the chemical treatment of schizophrenia.

Professor David Parkinson is researching into Alzheimer’s Disease which is the commonest form of dementia affecting the elderly. His research looks at ways in which a specific protein, amyloid beta, is processed within the brain.

Dr Alessandra Princivalle is looking at why some people with temporal lobe epilepsy do not respond to drug therapy. A better understanding of this may prevent people having surgery in the future.

Dr David Smith is researching into the causes of the common forms of Parkinson’s Disease. In particular he is looking at the structure of harmful protein aggregates in the brain.

Professor Nicola Woodroofe is looking at some of the possible causes of Multiple Sclerosis. This research involves working with patients suffering with MS as well looking at brain cells in the laboratory. Professor Woodroofe will also give a general overview of current progress in research into Multiple Sclerosis.

This lecture is free. To reserve a place contact: Linda Bray, 0114 225 4870 or email science-week@shu.ac.uk

The lung provides a delicate barrier between the air and the blood. This barrier has about the same surface area as that of a tennis court and it allows us to take in all of the oxygen required to meet the demands of every cell in our body. The lecture will be preceded by an exhibition entitled ‘Primitive Streak’, which will open in the Winter Gardens on 21 February with 10 dresses based on the biology of human development. The exhibition includes a new design based on the lung, highlighting the scale and delicacy of this astonishing organ and emphasising the dynamic relationship between the internal and external environments.

Without breath there is no life and the sensation of breathlessness induces fear. What is the mechanism of this sensation and how do we keep breathing continuously throughout our entire lives? Why are our lungs on the inside? These questions will be addressed alongside a consideration of how the combined powers of art and science can inspire us to understand ourselves and our place within the world.

This lecture is free. To reserve a place contact: Linda Bray, 01142 225 4870 or email science-week@shu.ac.uk

Project Sunshine aims to harness the power of the sun to tackle the biggest challenge facing the world today: meeting the increasing food and energy needs of the world’s population in the context of an uncertain climate and global environment change.

Project Sunshine unites scientists across the traditional boundaries in both the pure and applied sciences. Together, they are looking for new ways to use the sun’s energy more efficiently to increase food production and provide more renewable energy.
Project Sunshine stands for optimism. It focuses on finding solutions: sustainable routes to food and energy security through collaborative research and innovation.
Project Sunshine will change the way scientists think and work. It will become the inspiration for a new generation of scientists focused on solving the world’s problems.

Entry to this lecture is free of charge, but by ticket only via the website: www.sheffield.ac.uk/whatson/universitylectures/details/project-sun-shine.html

Come and try the ancient sport of dragon boat racing – indoors! Can you keep in time with your fellow paddlers? Can you keep to the beat of the drummer’s rhythm? See film footage of paddlers in action. This exhibit is designed with fun in mind - have a go at doing some low intensity physical activity in a new way. Fitness or previous paddling experience is not necessary. Visit us to learn how cancer survivors inspired our exhibit.

Contact: Helen Crank 0114 225 5572. H.Crank@shu.ac.uk

The 12,000 horse power River Don Engine was built by Davy Brothers of Sheffield in 1905. It was made to drive Charles Cammell’s armour plate rolling mill located at his Grimesthorpe Works. The engine was one of four, all built for the same purpose. The second went to John Brown’s Atlas Works, the third to the Japanese government, and the destination of the fourth is unknown.

The River Don Engine ran at Cammell’s mill for almost 50 years. The engine was then transferred to what was formerly known as the British Steel Corporation’s River Don Works. At the Works, the engine continued to drive a heavy plate mill, producing products such as stainless steel reactor shields and steel plates for North Sea oil rigs. In 1978, the engine ceased production and was transferred to Kelham Island Museum.

It is now the most powerful working steam engine remaining in Europe, and you can see it “in steam” at the Museum.

Please call 0114 201 0613 to book a place. Charge: Free*

Visitors can see the River Don Engine in steam at 12.00, 2.00 and 4.00pm on Sundays.

The Hawley Collection is a unique and comprehensive record of tool making, cutlery manufacture and silversmithing. It is the product of over 50 years of collecting by Ken Hawley, a former tool retailer in Sheffield and champion of Sheffield’s industrial heritage. The Ken Hawley Collection Trust was formed in 1994 to safeguard the collection and Ken continues collecting and working with the collection – it is his life and his continuing passion.

Please call 0114 201 0613 to book a place. Charge: Free*

There will be a host of free* activities taking place at Kelham Island Museum on Science Sunday, although the Museum entry fees apply, see below.

Please check the websites for details: www.simt.co.uk and www.hawleytoolcollection.com

*Entry to Kelham Island Museum: adults: £4 concessions: £3 children: free. Donations are always appreciated.

There will be a demonstration of HF and VHF radio transmitters in use, Morse Code, short wave receivers and more. There will be an opportunity to use receiving equipment and, under supervision, pass greetings and messages to radio amateurs around the world.

For more information contact us via SARC website www.sheffieldarc.org.uk

The Kitchen Sink Show takes children on a journey around the kitchen, opening up a world of science fun.

A visit to Magna offers a spectacular journey around the old steelworks. Four pavilions – Air, Earth, Fire and Water– of interactive exhibits explore science and technology. Why not let us come to you and book the Kitchen Sink Show for your school.

Visit www.visitmagna.co.uk for more details, or phone 01709 723 116 to make an education booking.

Pupils (under 16) £4.80 (inc VAT)

The trail takes friends, families or school groups around the area near City Campus, making use of the dramatic new skyline, architecture and public spaces in central Sheffield. In the course of the trail children and adults will develop and discuss puzzles and mathematical ideas and stimulate their thinking together in an exciting way. They will answer some questions en route, and explore more challenging problems at home, or in the classroom, later.

The trail is devised by the Maths Education Centre staff, who have considerable experience in working in innovative and engaging ways with local children and schools (Magic Maths Circus, Gifted and Talented days, Further maths centre taster days, CPD, curriculum development, Cre8ate Maths project and others).

The trail includes questions accessible to young children and questions that are challenging to adults and older children, without assuming any particular mathematical knowledge base.

Please contact us for electronic copies: you have permission to print as many as you need from these. Jo Tomalin (j.tomalin@shu.ac.uk) and Keith Marsden (k.marsden@shu.ac.uk)

Maths Education Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Room 947 Owen Building, City Campus, Howard St, S1 1WB

Teams of four are invited to take part in this light-hearted fun-filled general knowledge (and a little science) quiz. Cash prizes of £75, £50 and £25. All teams warmly welcomed. Nibbles provided – sponsored by the IET.

For further information contact: Linda Bray, 0114 225 4888/4870, science-week@shu.ac.uk

Everywhere you go there are millions of bugs, most of which you cannot see. Using photographs taken by scientists of bugs under a microscope we will make our own! Will include a bug hunt and the creation of stories and poems about the bug’s lives and homes.

FREE, no need to book.

DNA is the fundamental blueprint for all living things. It is like a recipe for you. In this workshop we will investigate the structure of DNA, what it contains and how it works. We will build giant sculptures of the DNA double helix, using this as inspiration for stories about our own genomes and poems incorporating the key letters
A, T, G and C, the initials of the ‘base pairs’ that help make up DNA.

FREE, no need to book.

In partnership between AITP and Science Brainwaves www.sciencebrainwaves.com

For further information: www.artinthepark.org.uk 0114 268 6813 or admin@artinthepark.org.uk

Go Wild in Weston Park! Why sit indoors, when you can be out and about? Sheffield Wildlife Trust and Weston Park Museum have joined forces and are looking for nature detectives aged 5–13 to explore the outdoors and have fun getting closer to wildlife. The Weston Park Wildlife Watch Group meets once a month on a Saturday. Places are limited, so you will need to book a place, please call 114 263 4335. There is small charge for refreshments. Wildlife Watch Groups in Sheffield are supported by Heritage Lottery Fund.

Free, Please book in advance. Adult carers to accompany.

Sports get our blood pumping and our hearts racing. We scream and cheer as our favourite athletes run, throw, pedal, dive, or swim their way to victory. But what makes an athlete successful? How does the latest technology help humans be faster, stronger and more accurate? What can we learn from the animal world when it comes to sports design and technique? Sports Lab is a hands-on interactive exhibition which will explore and share some of the scientific secrets behind sport.

Free, no need to book, just drop in.

Sports Lab was created in partnership with the Centre for Sports Engineering Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Following its debut in Sheffield, the exhibition will tour to the V&A Museum of Childhood in 2012, the year of the London Olympics.

Come for a Health Check and exercise advice from the Activity Sheffield team. Find out your body mass index, body fat percentage and blood pressure and get helpful tips to keep you fit.

Sign up on the day.

Ever wondered what makes your heart “tick”? Find out in this interactive session, where you will learn fun facts and carry out your own science experiment on
the heart with Dr Louise Robson from the Department of Biomedical Science, at The University of Sheffield.

Free, supported by the Physiological Society. Reserve your place on the day. Places can be booked 30 minutes before the session starts. Adult carers to accompany.

Have a go at indoor cycling on a normal bike on Rollers or a Turbo Trainer. Bring your own bike along for a Dr Bike Safety Check with Pedal Ready, and find out what cycle training is available.

Free, no need to book. In partnership with Sheffield City Council.

Thinking of starting jogging this spring? Or perhaps you’re preparing for Sheffield’s Half Marathon? Discover the science behind running and pick up some handy tips to help you on your way.

Free, no need to book. In partnership with Sheffield City Council.

Find out about the ideas behind the exhibition and how it was developed with the curator and Dr David James from the Centre for Sport and Engineering Research.

Free, no need to book.

It’s well known that designers take their inspiration from nature but have you ever thought about how some of them use the mathematical principles found in nature to form their work? From honeycomb to plant structures to the elemental forces in minerals designers have produced highly contemporary and desirable objects based on nature’s logic and economy.

Come and see works from internationally renowned designers displayed alongside historic designs, art works and natural history specimens from Sheffield’s own collections.

Free, no need to book, just drop in.

Come and find out about careers within the metal working industry in Sheffield.

Call 0114 278 2655 to book your place. A Museums Sheffield event in association with Galvanize Sheffield Festival part of Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield.

Get hands-on with Sheffield’s world famous metalwork collection. You will be given the chance to hold and explore objects which tell the story of metalwork in Sheffield and create your own artwork inspired by it.

Free. Reserve your place on the day. Places can be booked 30 minutes before the session starts on a first come first served basis. Adult carers to accompany.

Join the Friends of Bishops’ House to discover more about this fantastic building. During the weekend visitors will help with a geophysical survey of the grounds, analysis of the windows and make a detailed drawing of the building itself with the help of Archaeologists from The University of Sheffield Department for Archaeology.

Free, just drop in. Adult carers to accompany.

For the third year running Rob Farr – The Energy MC – is teaming up with Rugeley Power Station in Staffordshire to deliver a series of live webcast science lessons.

This year, Rob will be delivering a lesson on coal, steam and electricity to complement the Existing programmes on oil. With a focus on Energy, these live lessons will last approximately 40-minutes, repeated several times each day during science week. They will cover a range of energy topics, including fossil fuels and wind and solar power, and will invite viewers to send in questions live on air.

The 40-minute web lesson will include a live intro from Rob Farr – The Energy MC, followed by a streamed 20-minute pre-recorded film looking at a range of energy topics.

A range of follow-on activities will also be sent to registered schools for the students to work on.

This live, innovative resource for Science Week is low cost, at £30 per school. For that the school will receive the pass codes for access to the webcast, a resources pack and a copy of the entire broadcast on backup DVD (which can be used should internet connection fail for any reason during Science Week).

For further information please visit www.theenergymc.com and select WEBCAST 2011

Join the Rangers on a short walk of approximately 3 miles exploring the history of Parkwood Springs. Lots to stop and talk about, ancient deer park, quarries and cart tracks, railways and landfill to country park. Bring a camera for the BEST views of the city of Sheffield. The route covers some uneven ground with steps.

Contact the North Team Rangers on 0114 240 3578.

For NSEW, The University of Sheffield’s Department of Archaeology is hosting an exciting week of evening events and talks.

Following the theme of “Communication” departmental staff will lead members of the public on a voyage of discovery, which explores how archaeologists have allowed past lives to speak to the modern world. There will be expert talks on how humans learned to feed themselves, how humans developed special relationships with animals and how technology transformed both us and the world. Illustrated talks will travel across space and time and include references to many sites including those of Ancient Greece and Peru!

In addition to themed talks there will also be opportunities for the public to have a hands-on experience of working with archaeological materials, including ancient bones, pottery and metals. Expert archaeologists will highlight how fragments of evidence can provide important clues to our fascinating past.

For more information and schedule please see: www.sheffield.ac.uk/archaeology/scienceweek

A geological walkabout in Sheffield City Centre, starting from the Peace Gardens.

The natural stone in the buildings and pavings can tell a fascinating story. Sheffield was once on the Equator, and much of England was a hot desert. Why is a “heathen” going in for a coffee?

The route runs from the Peace Gardens to the Cathedral forecourt. No booking required. Come with warm clothing.

Contact: Peter Kennett, 0114 236 1271 (representing The Earth Science Education Unit, and Yorkshire Geological Society)

No, not another pop festival, but a peaceful walk around other sorts of rock! Discover how well (or how badly!) the Victorians selected and carved their tombstones and how the memorials have fared since. Let the stones teach you about the evolution of the Earth itself, and of the British Isles in particular.

No booking required. Come with warm clothing.

For further details contact: Peter Kennett, 0114 236 1271 (representing the General Cemetery Trust, Earth Science Education Unit, and Yorkshire Geological Society)

Learn how to use library and internet resources to make low and no cost fuel/energy savings. What renewable energy technologies are applicable for your home and school?

Activities include:

1. 1) Home eco/carbon footprint to assess demand to calculate personal/family eco/carbon footprint.e.g. ‘plug-in energy meter calculates running costs and power consumption to determine how much energy an appliance uses – to be informed to purchase an appliance.
2. 2) School energy survey procedures designed to work within framework of KS2/KS3 curriculum schedules; and to produce school fuel and money saving action plans. Web based activity available to conduct energy light survey: http://old.solar-active.com/schools.htm http://old.solar-active.com/interact.htm
3. 3) Eco/Green Refurbishment. Thermal insulation activity.

One to one information sessions by appointment.

To find out how to sign up contact: david@solar–active.com or 0114 249 9459 or Reference and Information Library 0114 273 4737.

The event includes stargazing workshops, hands-on activities and presentations. Visitors will learn how to take 3D pictures and get a free pair of glasses. Everything will be available to build and fire you own rocket. There will also be a stargazer’s quiz which will include a super astronomical prize.

This event is free. No need to book.

The first session will be an opportunity for visitors to have a look at, and try the many activities undertaken by our KS3 STEM Club; CREST Superstar Club (Y5s from our primary school), Astronomy Club, EES team (Y12/13).

This will be followed by a lecture by Paul Hudson, the weather presenter with BBC Look North. Paul is very popular in the region and will attract a lot of visitors.

This event is free. To book a place please contact: Chris Conheeney, 0114 267 1414 or cconheeney@taptonschool.co.uk