Science Saturdays are family activities developed by the museum to introduce older children, aged 8 and over, to scientific concepts using material from the collections.
 
Designed by the public engagement team, but delivered by scientists from the University of Oxford, the events investigate ideas relating to palaeontology, mineralogy, zoology, and entomology.

Using a range of specimens, from bird and mammal skulls to minerals and fossils, families conduct hands-on investigations of different concepts and questions.

Participants spend around 15 minutes in a one-to-one interaction with a practicing scientist, offering them the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the ideas introduced by the activity.

Access to this type of expert knowledge also helps inform perceptions that both adults and children have about the work of scientists.

At the same time, the sessions give university scientists valuable and regular experience in public engagement.

Feedback from the Science Saturdays events shows that families particularly value the one-to-one engagement with scientists and the opportunity to investigate scientific ideas using a rich variety of museum specimens.

Science Saturdays are free with events running each week during academic term-time.