Held at the Great North Museum: Hancock on 24 February, the event will be packed with activities and research showcases to inspire future scientists. Visitors will learn first-hand from University experts about how innovations such as printable solar cells work. Guests will also find out why identical twins differ and will get a chance to design their own planet.

Children will create printable solar cells made from low-cost, sustainable materials as part of the Berry Future exhibit. The activity will help future renewable energy experts learn how a device is made with dyes from cherries, blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants to be used to convert light energy into electrical energy.

The Design a Planet activity promises to be an exciting highlight of the day. Budding astronomers will get to design and make their very own planet that they can take home. They will be faced with the difficult decision whether their planet is a small icy planet, a gas giant with fantastic clouds, or an Earth-like planet with oceans and forests.

Guests at the museum will experience the solar system like never before - by traveling on a spacecraft that can turn objects in space into sound. This is part of the free planetarium show, ‘Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System’.

Another highlight of the science fair is the activity that introduces epigenetics, helping us understand why environmental factors alter how we develop and age.

150 years of innovation and pioneering research 

The science fair is part of a number of events and activities celebrating 150 years of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at Newcastle University showcasing how the institution’s innovative work has always focused on making a difference to people’s lives.

Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, said: “Newcastle University has a rich and successful history in the fields of science, agriculture and engineering and has led the way through innovative work and cutting-edge research for the last 150 years.  It is a privilege to be continuing this legacy now and for the future.

“Some of the biggest challenges facing our planet are still ahead of us.  To be able to inspire and encourage our next generation of students and leaders, in such a fun and amazing way, is fantastic.  We have a strong focus on developing our students, staff, teaching and research, so we can continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives across the city, region and wider world for the next 150 years.”

The science fair will also feature events run by volunteer rangers from the National History Society of Northumbria (NHSN), who will present the Lady Bird Spot citizen science project. Visitors will be able to learn about the various lady birds in the North East and then choose two to interpret in making their own lady bird greeting card.

NHSN Education Rangers will also have on display several collection animals that can be found at Gosforth Nature Reserve.

Adam Goldwater, Learning, Engagement and Research Manager, Great North Museum: Hancock, said: "The Great North Museum is a much loved part of the Newcastle cityscape, with a long history of providing inspirational access to science and culture over many generations. This exciting celebration event in the museum exemplifies how stimulating, innovative and provocative science, with cutting edge university research at its heart, can inspire curiosity and learning in our next generation of visitors."

The February Half Term Science Fair takes place on Thursday, 24 February, 11am – 3pm at various locations throughout the museum. For more information and bookings, please visit: https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/science-fair