What is The Big Bang Near Me?
The Big Bang Near Me consists of live events (fairs) that offer young people the opportunity to experience hands-on learning in an informal environment outside the classroom. They’re free to attend, fun, inspirational and interactive.
The fairs encourage enquiry-based learning and stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and maths. They also offer an insight into future careers in the local area and beyond.
Each event offers a range of activities, workshops, shows and interactive exhibits for students aged 5 – 19 to participate in.
Here’s an example taken from one of this year's Fairs:
Who are they for?
Held across the UK, The Big Bang Near Me is for young people aged 5 – 19, teachers, parents and guardians.
The Big Bang Near Me is a growing programme of events throughout the year. It’s designed to engage and inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a wide variety of informal learning activities.These include:
The Big Bang Near Me, including the heats of the National Science & Engineering Competition
These are held annually in June and July in 12 locations around the UK. They are ideal for students and teachers who couldn’t attend the national fair, offering a taste of The Big Bang but closer to home. Many of the workshops, exhibits and shows seen at the national fair are also available at these, but delivered in a more intimate environment. These events welcome fewer visitors than the National Fair - varying between 2,000 and 4,000. Lower numbers and a more personal environment mean a much more hands-on experience for schools than the National Fair.
These Near Me events are of great value to students and teachers as they are run by experienced education activity providers. They have the knowledge and the contacts needed to ensure each fair delivers a programme of activities aligned to the strengths and specialities of the region.
The also host the regional heats of the prestigious National Science & Engineering Competition. The competition is an opportunity to showcase your hard work and gain some well-deserved recognition for you, your students or your school! Find out more information and discover how your project may qualify by visiting the NSEC website.
Smaller, community-run The Big Bang Near Me events
These fairs provide a platform for schools, colleges and community groups to celebrate achievement and run between September and April. They aim to inspire and educate the immediate community. They provide an opportunity to widen the reach of The Big Bang, ensuring all students have the chance to experience these unique events. This is particularly important in areas where travel to larger events or th is difficult.
These events also offer a valuable experience to students wishing to showcase their work for the National Science and Engineering Competition (although they do not provide a direct route through to the competition itself). Often, students taking part in these smaller events will be spotted by one of our ambassadors and encouraged to attend their nearest heat of the National Science & Engineering Competition or to register their project online later in the year.
Date Published: January 24, 2012