On Saturday 18 March, over 1,000 visitors became space explorers for the day and enjoyed live music, craft activities, gaming workshops and even learned what it would be like to dance in space. The museum was filled with a positive atmosphere and a diverse local audience.
To ensure everyone had the opportunity to take part, we worked closely with communities and primary schools in BD3 and BD5 to promote the event. To help with transport, a free coach was provided from Karmand Community Centre to bring over 50 people to and from the museum. We are really pleased to say that over 260 visitors from BD3 and BD5 attended the event.
All visitors had the opportunity to learn something new about space exploration. Local tutors from Explore Learning challenged visitors to space-maths puzzles, and the African Caribbean Achievement Project (ACAP) tested families’ knowledge of the contribution of black astronauts, researchers and scientists to space exploration.
“The ACAP team enjoyed interacting with the public to educate them about diversity in science and the contributions of Black scientists in space exploration. It was a brilliant event, and many people said that this was the first time they learned that there were Black astronauts.”
Punjabi Roots Academy and Q20 Theatre filled the museum with music, dancing, dhol drumming and bouncing astronauts. One of the astronauts said his favourite moment was dancing along to the DJ’s tunes!
There was plenty to do for small children, including colouring in a Space Passport with local charity WomenZone, and sending a message to the moon with 50 Things To Do Before You’re 5. Visitors got creative by repairing a space station with Impact Gamers, building a constellation projector with Sponge Tree or experiencing the stars in a sensory way with Megan Sanders from the Liverpool John Moores University.
Our next exciting family event will take place during May half term as part of Bradford Science Festival 2023—find out more on our website.