Science Makers

More details TBC

More details TBC.

3D printing opens up a world of custom science instrumentation that can be instantly shared and fabricated around the world. It has been used to build precision microscopes and alignment tools, modify all manner of standard lab kit, visualise 3D structures from imaging data and more. In this Science Makers, we'll look at a whole range of ideas for 3D printing in science with both plastics and biomaterials. There will be an opportunity to try out some activities and play with hardware in the afternoon following lunch.

During this Science Maker session, we will aim to build a multispectral camera and enclosure. Once they are finished, we will take photographs in the surrounding area and learn to process them!

Lab equipment and chemistry has made its way into the kitchen - with water baths, centrifuges, freeze dryers, 3D printers and more now involved in gastronomic creations. During this session, we'll hear about some of the techniques and try them out, as well as discussing cheap ways to 'hack' or create DIY equipment.

During this Science Makers, we'll learn about how to programme a logic gate with DNA and express it in a 'cell-free extract' that can translate it into a protein. We'll then visualise the results using DIY open hardware that we'll construct on the day.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an essential technique in molecular biology. During this Science Makers, we'll learn about PCR, extract DNA from your choice of plant and assess relatedness to other plants.

This month Science Makers takes a look at DIY water monitoring - a thriving area of grassroots and citizen science activity. Join us to build a microscope and Arduino-based sensors then investigate some samples from the River Cam!