Exploring an Ancient Egyptian artefact at the 2023 Festival; hands-on activities also form part of many of the sessions at this year's Festival
Is it ok for toddlers to be using technology? Can your kids help design the perfect neighbourhood? How does computer coding work? The public in Swansea and across the region have the chance to find out about all these questions and more, through activities aimed at all ages, in a series of free events from 27 October to 8 November.
The events are part of the Festival of Social Science, an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society.
It’s an opportunity for everyone to explore the social sciences, from health, nutrition and wellbeing to psychology, sports and exercise, crime, equality, tech, education and identity, through events run by researchers from UK universities.
This year the festival theme is ‘Our Digital Lives’, with varied events also covering other social science topics.
Swansea University’s activities will run from 27th October, during the October half-term, until 8th November. They will take place in different locations including Swansea Grand Theatre, Oriel Science (Castle Street), Gower Heritage Centre, and Noah’s Yard (Uplands). There will be drop-in activities throughout the week, as well as workshops with bookable spaces.
All events are free and everyone is welcome. Event listings include advice on age restrictions for some events.
Find out more and book your place at Swansea events
The festival is led and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which supports researchand training in social science subjects.
Highlights include:
Toddlers, Tech, Talk (workshop) (Saturday 2nd November, Oriel Science, Castle Street, 10am–2pm)
In this hands-on, interactive workshop parents and early years professionals will not only gain the latest information and support but get useful tips and suggestions for both parents and practitioners on tech use and children.
CTRL + ALT + Critique: Computers, Society and South Wales (Tuesday 29th October, CoSMOS Singleton Campus,10am–2pm
Working with researchers at Swansea University and Technocamps, this hands-on event will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of computing. You'll explore the hidden impacts of technology on our daily lives, learn to code, and even design your own digital solutions to real community challenges. Join us for the opportunity to transform how you see the digital world around you.
Design Your Perfect Neighbourhood; (Wednesday 30th October, Oriel Science, Castle Street,11am-1pm)
Uplifting activities for parents and their children to get involved in designing their 'ideal neighbourhood' in the spirit of community collaboration and learn how we can tackle big challenges like climate change and health by working together.