Oriel Science (in Princess Way, Swansea, SA1 5HE) , in partnership with Swansea University, will be putting on some exciting half-term hands-on workshops and activities, all of which are free to participate in.

Families and young people will be able to drop into the venue daily from 10am – 4pm from Saturday 27^th May to Sunday 4^th June where they can take part in a science themed quiz and make pompon pathogens.

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Exceptionally for the May half term the Oriel Science team will be joined Monday to Friday by a variety of insects, some of which you can hold.  Learn about how these creatures are being studied at Swansea University, and take part in some bug themed games.  Then on Friday 2^nd June the “Love a maggot!” stand will invite everyone to learn a little more about the medicinal use of maggots, about their extraordinary little lives, and how they have helped heal wounds and save limbs from amputation.  Everyone will be invited to “feel how maggots feel”!

Dr Yamni Nigam, founder of the Swansea University Maggot research group said:“The most common association with maggots is 'Eek!', and this ‘yuck’ factor may be preventing us from benefiting from maggots.  Better education about maggots, what they do and how they work could help people change their minds.The Swansea University  ‘Love a Maggot’ campaign has been set up to encourage people to challenge their existing preconceptions, by getting up close to live maggots and learning just how effective they are for treating chronic, stubborn wounds including pressure (bed) sores, diabetic foot ulcers,leg ulcers caused by vascular disease and even severe burns.”

Chris Allton Director of Oriel Science said:

“Insects are an extremely common life form but few people know much about them, such as their potential uses in medicine or food sources. It wonderful that Oriel Science will be hosting Swansea University’s insect researchers to enable the public to get up close to all sorts of creepy crawlies and to learn more about these incredible animals."

The ‘Story of Time’ exhibition at the venue is also set to continue.  Where does the time go? Can time really fly? Is time just an illusion? The Story of Time exhibition answers these questions.

Guarded by the Tardis and a Back to the Future DeLorean car, visitors can meander through, interact with, listen, look, touch and generally play around with exhibits around the theme of Time. Discover how the Higgs boson, was first detected in the mock-up of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, see a glacial calving in Greenland, tell the time with tree rings, witness the history of the universe displayed on a 30 metre time wall, and hear the sounds of deep space as you watch a time lapse video of the southern stars.

Suitable for all ages, Oriel Science’s mission is to bring the wonders of Science to the public through exhibitions on a scientific theme, which will inspire visitors to think and explore how science and technology impact their daily lives.

• Oriel Science is located in Princess Way, Swansea, SA1 5HE. Between Castle Square and The Kingsway, next to Zinco Lounge.
• Admission is free and is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10am till 4pm. Available for school visits (during the week) by appointment. Please email: s4science@swansea.ac.uk

Website: www.orielscience.co.ukEmail: orielscience@swansea.ac.uk

@OrielScience: facebook.com/OrielScience

Picture 1:  Female Madagascar Hissing Cockroach  

Picture 2: Pompom pathogens

Picture 3: Maggots