Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2025

Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2025: Inspiring Climate Action Through STEAM

Join us for Rochdale's most exciting, family-friendly celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths (STEAM)! The Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C in partnership with the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre proudly presents the annual Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2025, where curiosity meets creativity for a fun-filled day of discovery, hands-on activities, and climate action.

This Year's Theme: Climate Change, Sustainability, & Recycling

Explore how science and art come together to address urgent issues like climate change and building a sustainable future. Whether you're a curious child, a budding innovator, a parent seeking family fun, or someone who thinks "science isn't for me"-this event is for YOU!

What's New in 2025? - Sensory Room & Inclusive Art Installation

We are thrilled to introduce a brand-new Sensory Room, specially created for members of the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community and anyone who enjoys a gentle, calming space. Led by artist Rachel Rea with support from local SEND organisations, this sensory haven will feature a breathtaking display of glowing, giant jellyfish crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

Immerse yourself in a world of soft lighting, tactile wonders, and tranquil sounds as you help bring the glowing jellyfish to life. This collaborative art project not only celebrates creativity and inclusion, but also makes a powerful statement about recycling and protecting our oceans. The sensory room ensures that everyone-regardless of age or ability-can contribute, connect, and enjoy, truly making the Rochdale Science Extravaganza a place where everyone belongs.

What's On?

• Hands-on STEAM Activities: Create, experiment, and learn with interactive exhibits and workshops for all ages.
• Live Demonstrations & Planetarium Experience: Gaze at the stars and journey through the universe!
• Meet the Experts: Chat with scientists, engineers, artists, and STEAM Ambassadors-including professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Student Showcases: Be inspired by local students presenting STEM projects.
• Inclusive Content: Specialised STEM resources for the SEND community including the new sensory room and art installation! Everyone's welcome!
• Art & Science Fusion: Collaborate on a giant eco-system collage and see how creativity drives change.
• Green Careers Hub: Explore future-focused careers in STEAM and discover how your passion can shape a greener planet.
• Goody Bags: Free treats for families to enjoy at home!
• Delicious Food: Food stalls with tasty options to fuel your day.

Featured Activities & Exhibitors

• Sensory Room & Jellyfish Installation: Relax, explore, and create with recycled materials in a calming, supportive space led by Rachel Rea and SEND partners.
• Nature for Climate: Explore climate-friendly plants, use magnifying glasses, and vote for your favourite nature-based solutions with the National Education Nature Park RHS.
• Health Data Science: Play games and discover the power of your health data in fighting disease and supporting the planet with Health Data Research UK.
• Plastic-Eating Insects: See how superworms recycle plastic into compost with The Worm House Ltd
• Solar Power Challenge: Race to clean a solar panel and learn about energy efficiency with Thermatic Technical FM.
• Urban Food Futures: See vertical farming in action and learn about sustainable urban agriculture with the University of Salford.
• Genes & Health Study: Join the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust's research to improve health in the Pakistani and Bengali communities-just a simple saliva sample and quick questionnaire.
• Soil Science: Test soil for contamination with The Grange School and take home your own chromatography kit.
• Eco-System Collage: Help build a giant, colourful artwork celebrating biodiversity with Geraldine Cox.
• Paper Light Play: Make light-and-shadow art from recycled paper with Rabia Begum-fun for all ages!
• Cancer Research Explained: Learn about detection, therapies, and scientific breakthroughs with the University of Manchester.
• Bat Encounters: Meet the South Lancashire Bat Group and discover local wildlife.
• Photon Fun: Create cyanotype prints, experiment with light-to-noise demos, and explore the microscopic world with the Photon Science Institute.
• Amazing Hearts: View real animal hearts, try an ECG, and make your own "blood clots" to learn about heart health.
• Film Screening: Discover how genetics transforms healthcare in a short film and interactive discussion with Arijit Mukhopadhyay.
• Carbon Footprint Challenge: Take part in interactive activities and learn to make sustainable choices with the University of Manchester.
• Wacky Jacky Fun Science: Enjoy zany, interactive hands-on activities for the young and young-at-heart!
• Guardians of the Earth: Discover museum-style displays that connect Islamic teachings with climate action. Learn about water conservation, reducing plastic waste, planting as charity, and personal environmental responsibility.

... and many more, including exciting stands from Manchester Metropolitan University, Institute of Physics, Science and Technology Facilities Council, The Ogden Trust, Touchstones, Falinge Park High School, Rochdale Islamic Academy for Boys, SciTech, Lightyear Foundation, Luxfer Technologies, Noisy Toys, and more!

Why Attend?

The Rochdale Science Extravaganza is more than an event-it's a movement for community, curiosity, and climate action. We champion diversity, innovation, and making STEAM accessible for all-especially those from disadvantaged and ethnic minority backgrounds. Since 2017, our grassroots initiative has inspired thousands, and we want YOU to be part of the change.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for an unforgettable day where science and creativity collide-right in the heart of Rochdale!

Event Details

• When: Sunday 29th June 2025
• Where: Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre
• Time: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Entry: FREE! No booking needed.

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Let's take action together-through science, creativity, and community. The future starts here, in Rochdale. Don't miss it!