Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2021 takes place virtually

Photo: Doliz Miah Photography

Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2019

The annual Rochdale Science Extravaganza was a small event held virtually this year on Sunday (14 March), due to Covid-19 restrictions.

As the usual jam-packed event could not take place, a small project was designed as a consolation, giving a group of participants experiment kits containing chalk paints, pocket rockets, and the classic Mentos eruption.

The kits allowed families to create their very own outdoor fizz, pop and bang experiments.

Hosted by Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C., the distanced event took place via Zoom for an initial presentation on the experiments and the science behind it, delivered by Claire Garside, researcher at Leeds University.

A spokesperson for the event said: “It was wonderful to see members from the 17th Rochdale 1st Wardle Scout Group joining us, along with our own cohorts. Also many other families from around the borough of Rochdale.

“Despite the weather it was truly inspiring to see young people out with their parents testing the kits. Our chairman Goolshad Miah managed to get 10 of his neighbours - Covid-19 social distancing adhered - outdoors to test the kits.

“[It was] Absolutely brilliant and we hope we can do something amazing in the summer.”

Last year, over 300 visitors attended the event, which was one of the last community gatherings to go ahead before lockdown.

Volunteers showcased a variety of gadgets and Dippy in Rochdale education officers created ‘dino poo’ to coincide with the famous dinosaur’s visit to Rochdale.