A robot dog, glow-in-the-dark rocks, banana DNA and oat milk ice cream gave members of the public the chance to be scientists for the weekend.
The University of Otago Science Expo, held as part of the New Zealand International Science Festival, showcased the university’s 23 departments of science over the weekend.
Each department had its own space featuring its research and interactive activities.
A range of colourful stands inhabited the Business School, enticing visitors with the chance to delve into the areas of their choosing.
Festival associate director Andrea Liberatore said there were happy faces everywhere and people keeping warm inside on a cold and wet day.
“We’re really happy with how it’s gone.
“We’ve had a lot of really satisfied people through and people seem to be enjoying it.”
A robot dog, glow-in-the-dark rocks, banana DNA and even oat milk ice cream were on display.
Ms Liberatore said while the event catered to those aged 5 to 15, some adults found fun stuff to do too.
She said they had 800 visitors on Saturday, and expected close to 2500 in total by the end of the weekend.
The expo is just one part of the science festival under way in the city.
A total of 96 events will run over the 10-day festival, which finishes on Sunday.
Isla Grant (9), of Dunedin, holds a Coronavirus purple spike proteins.Ms Liberatore said the festival aimed to showcase all the different aspects of science in a fun and interesting way.
“It is really great for kids and families because they can then figure out what parts of science that are really interesting to them,” she said.
“I think there is a science that’s really interesting to everybody — you just have to find it.”
tim.scott@odt.co.nz , PIJF cadet reporter
Source: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/science-expo-showcases-departments