Budding scientists can take part in a range of activities run by The University of Reading to mark National Science and Engineering Week.

The events kick off tomorrow with ‘science busking’ in Broad Street where live experiments will take place from noon to 3pm, organised by the Thames Valley branch of the British Science Association.

For those who prefer stargazing and exploring the universe, head to Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst tomorrow evening.

The Thames Valley branch of the British Science Association and Reading Astronomical Society have teamed up and local astronomers will use telescopes to guide visitors through the views of the planets and stars. The event will take place at the park in Davis Street from 7.30pm.

Activities continue on Sunday where residents can ‘meet Mother Nature’ on Mother’s Day in Caversham. From noon to 3pm visitors can gather at Thameside Promenade for family fun with insect crafts and worm charming.

Town centre bar and eatery Déjà Vu will host the Café Scientifique event ‘psychotherapy without a therapist – a 21st Century solution’ on Monday night.

Dr David Purves, a visiting research fellow from London Metropolitan University will host the discussion at the venue in St Mary’s Butts from 7.30pm.

Science-themed discussions will continue on Tuesday as part of the university’s public lecture series.

Professor Bob Rastall will host ‘functional food: good science of marketing hype?’ in the Palmer building on the Whiteknights Campus at 8pm.

Discover what it’s like to live and work on an erupting volcano with a special event hosted by Reading’s volcano expert Professor Geoff Wadge who will talk about volcano activity.

He will also look at how scientists at Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat, which has been erupting on and off for 15 years, monitor its activity.

The week will end with a ‘we create life on earth’ event at RISC roof garden where visitors will draw, paint and take pictures to discover the plants at the London Street venue in Katesgrove.

The images will then be pieced together to form a giant collage reflecting its diverse landscape.

Research communications manager Dr Lucy Wallace said: “National Science and Engineering Week is a nationwide celebration of science, which sees thousands of fantastic events for families, adults and schools taking place across the UK.

“In Reading we will have our first Reading Science Week, and whether it’s watching science buskers in the town centre, stargazing from Dinton Pastures, meeting Mother Nature on Mothering Sunday or chatting about science over a pint in the pub, there is something for everyone.”

All events are free. For details visit www.britishscienceassociation.org/readingscienceweek.

laura.herbert@reading-epost.co.uk

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