The University is hosting its free flagship family event Be Curious – when the campus opens its doors and welcomes in children from across the region.
The event, on Saturday 16 May between 10am-4pm, brings together organisations from across Leeds on campus for a day of hands-on experiments and eye-opening discoveries for children of all ages.
Children will be able to learn about climate change as they meet Gaia and Maia, a giant puppet and an inquisitive child on a mission. Their street performance will help children discover how the natural world around us works together.
Aspiring scientists can also try their hand at laser science – playing with lasers, learning about light and finding out what scientists use them for.
Be Curious is supported by Child Friendly Leeds, a Leeds City Council initiative. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to making Leeds a city where children and young people can thrive.
This year, Child Friendly Leeds is hosting a stall named Wish 4 Link, which will explore what culture means to children and how we celebrate the many identities across Leeds. Children can take part in activities designed to help children think about what makes them feel unique, express identity, celebrate diversity, learn about their rights and see their voices valued.
The Be Curious team also works each year with Leeds Youth Council, which reviews the research stands and chooses what it thinks matters most to children in Leeds – creating a curated space chosen by children, for children. This work helps put young people’s voices at the centre of how research is shared with the city.
This year, members of Leeds Youth Council have chosen for their curated space:
- What can we turn fabric scraps into? Make a small fabric collage using colourful fabric scraps. Turn leftover pieces from fashion production into a hanging design to display or take home.
- How can engineering help disabled people live better lives? See how engineers solve real-life challenges! Discover how engineering helps disabled people live more easily, making a real difference to everyday life.
- What makes buildings strong? Discover the hidden world of concrete by experimenting with fun materials, colours, and mixtures to see how engineers design strong, creative, and sustainable buildings.
- What kind of chocolate makes people happier? Learn about the stages of a clinical trial and help us answer: What kind of chocolate makes people happier?
- Can you say hello around the world? Travel the world in one stop! Learn to greet people in their language and discover their animals – are they different to yours?
- Can the planet feed us forever? Discover future foods! Learn how scientists are making proteins from plants, fungi and fermentation to help the planet and feed the world.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “Be Curious, now in its 10th year, is something we are very proud of because engaging with our wider community is so important to us.
“The event enhances relationships between the University and our neighbours. I think visitors of all ages, whether they’ve never set foot onto a campus before or are already familiar with what universities do, will find something to excite or inspire them on Saturday.”
Sadiya Salim, Partnership Development Coordinator at Child Friendly Leeds, said: “This event is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when universities, communities and civic partners work together with children and families at the heart.
“Our involvement reflects the strength of our partnership working in Leeds and our shared commitment to making the city a place where children and young people feel valued, heard and included. Through our ‘Our Culture, Our Leeds’ activity, we will create opportunities for children to explore what culture means to them and to celebrate the many identities that make up Leeds.
“We are so pleased to see Be Curious creating space for these conversations and bringing research and projects to life, and proud to be part of an event that brings child‑friendly values to life through creativity and curiosity in our city.”
Families can start their adventure at the Be Curious entrance by the Parkinson Building steps on Woodhouse Lane, where the team will be waiting with a map and answers to any questions.
To book free tickets and for more information about the activities, visit the Be Curious website.
Further information
Image credit: Dustin Smith Skywall Photography
For further information, please contact Becky Pascoe in the University of Leeds press office on r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk