STEAM Northants
STEAM Northants at UON
Wednesday 11 June 2025, 9:30am – 3pm
STEAM Northants combines a huge range of free activities, workshops, drop-in areas, and exciting shows to inspire and enthuse children and young people in all areas of STEAM at the University of Northampton.
This huge careers event for Northamptonshire Schools takes over our Waterside Campus and attracts in excess of over 3,000 visitors, from year 6 to year 13, with 70+ exhibitors and companies inspiring and promoting all things science, technology, engineering, arts and maths!
For any queries, email schools.engagement@northampton.ac.uk.
Exhibition areas:
The exhibition areas are free to everyone and run from 9.30am – 3pm.
From 9.30am to 10.15am, it will be open to Primary and SEND schools only, from 10.15am onwards these are open to all schools.
Experiences Zone
Taking over the Sports Dome, Immersive Experiences bring three of their fantastic 3D immersive domes.
Experience one of these breathtaking shows:
- Astronaut (all ages)
- Oceans and Reefs (all ages)
Drop-in to the Experiences Zone and you can also have-a-go with virtual reality and augmented reality headsets!
Outside the Experience Zone, visit the UON Sports Team in the MUGA courts, learn about our sports courses, find out about careers in sports and have a go at fun team building activities.
Waterside Place & outside spaces
Our outdoor exhibition features:
- Explore being a police officer and see the inside of a police car with Northants Police
- Climb aboard a lorry cab and learn more about the transport industry with AIT Worldwide.
- Look up this year! Science on Stilts will be walking around the exhibitions areas inspiring you with science on the go
- Visit the Army and test your resilience and have a go on their climbing wall! Also test your speed at the Batak sports wall.
- Get hands on with a range of vehicles from VW Volkswagen
STEAM Marquee
The Performing Room will be taking over the STEAM Marquee this year. There will be have-a-go music activities and gaming multimedia sing and play music with different instruments. Step back in time using our VR headset to experience what Northampton’s Cultural Quarter used to be like 150 years ago!
Learning Hub and Creative Hub
Visit over 70 different companies and UON subjects exhibiting at STEAM Northants; meet Apprentices and trainees, find out more about volunteering, be curious about the skills needed and find out how to get that dream job! The exhibition areas are hands on and interactive to spark your imagination and leave you buzzing with ideas for different jobs and careers.
Many different subject areas from the University of Northampton will be represented on the day, with hands on activities and specialist rooms open for you to visit. Find out about the range of subjects you could study in higher education.
Find our more about our A to Z of exhibitors.
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There are pre-bookable opportunities taking place during STEAM Northants, to compliment the many, many free activities.
Schools are able to book one show at one workshop per student, to enable all schools to attend one pre-booked activity.
Bookable shows and speakers:
Schools are able to book one show or attendance at one workshop per student, to enable all schools to attend one pre-booked activity. More workshops to be added!
Atomic Science with Atomic Tom
Inspiring all primary aged scientists with live and exciting experiments! The focus of this fun and engaging show is to think about the air that’s all around us and the amazing science we can learn from it. Making it move in cool ways with vortices, thinking about the composition of air by releasing oxygen from elephant’s toothpaste to learning about the science of flight and even making a person fly!Find out more about Atomic Science and Atomic Tom’s experiments
- Show times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.15pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 120
- Location: Learning Hub LH013
- Age group: Year 6
Birdman – Bringing Science Alive
Guest Presenter: Alan Ames
Meet Sparky, the Barn Owl, Alaska, the Bald Eagle and Sybil, the Harris Hawk.Watch these beautiful birds in flight and through their eyes learn about the natural world and how it functions. Life cycles, food chains and population dynamics.
Find out more about Birdman Displays
NB: Please be aware that the birds will be flying freely during the session, please keep food securely inside bags.
- Show times: 10.10am, 11.10am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 100
- Location: Learning Hub LH017
- Age group: All ages
Experience a Planetarium Dome Cinema
Discover the joy of 3D cinema through a 30 min science show in these fantastic planetariums. There are different themes to book this year, with one dome as a ‘drop in’.
Find out more about Immersive Experiences
- Duration: 30mins
- Location: Experiences Zone
- Age group: All ages
1. Planetarium A (pre-booked shows only) 70 capacity max
‘Astronaut’
Suitable for all ages
The exploration of Space is the greatest endeavour that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut?
Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer Space, from floating around the International Space Station to manoeuvring through microscopic regions of the human body.
Discover the perils that lurk in Space as we subject ‘Chad’, our test astronaut, to everything that Space has to throw at him.
- 9.30am, 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2pm
2. Planetarium B (pre-booked shows only) 60 capacity max
Suitable for all ages.
Dive under the ocean, and explore the worlds or Corals and Creatures. Come face to face with life in our oceans and immersive yourself within this stunning show.
- 9.45am, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 2.15pm
3. Planetarium C (drop in – be prepared to wait) 45 capacity max
‘Astronaut’
Suitable for all ages
The exploration of Space is the greatest endeavour that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut?
Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer Space, from floating around the International Space Station to manoeuvring through microscopic regions of the human body.
Discover the perils that lurk in Space as we subject ‘Chad’, our test astronaut, to everything that Space has to throw at him.
- This planetarium will be a ‘drop-in’ on the day, between 9.30am to 3pm.
Medical Mavericks: The Human Guinea Pig Show
This amazing show takes students on a journey to discover the unsung heroes of the NHS that perform 85% of all the diagnostic tests in a hospital.Highlights include Tom scanning the heart and blood vessels in his neck with ultrasound, and taking a photo of the inside of his eye!
Find out more about Medical Mavericks
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 100
- Location: Learning Hub second floor, TPod A/B
Show times:
- 10am – 10.40am – Y6/Y7
- 10.50am – 11.30am – Y6/Y7
- 11.40am – 12.20pm – Y6/Y7/Y8
- 1pm – 1.40pm – Y8 to Y11
- 1.50pm – 2.30pm – All ages
What Stuff Does: Circus skills
What Stuff Does reveals the mechanics and mysteries behind the art of juggling. With comedy and incredible circus skills, phenomenal performer and research scientist Robin Dale unpacks the mechanics of juggling using flying ping pong bats, disobedient buckets of water and a wrestling match with a flipchart.
Find out more about Circus 250.
- Time: 10.30am, 12:00pm, and 1.30pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 100
- Location: Engine Shed
- Age Group: Year 8 to Year 12
Bookable workshops and activities:
Schools are able to book one show or attendance at one workshop per student, to enable all schools to attend one pre-booked activity. More workshops to be added!
A day in the life of a criminal (UON)
There’s been a theft at UON! Meet our Criminal Justice team in our unique crime scene suite. Ask questions, be curious and pick out the clues from the crime scene to see if you can solve the crime. This is a hands on fun workshop exploring crime and justice in our specialist facilities.
- Times: 10.30am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.00pm, 1.45pm
- Duration: 30 mins
- Capacity: 12 student plus staff
- Location: Learning Hub LH327
- Age group: All ages
African drumming and percussion – African Youth Arise
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Africa with this engaging and interactive African Drumming Workshop. Led by an experienced percussionist, this workshop offers participants of all skill levels the opportunity to explore traditional African drumming techniques, rhythms, and cultural significance.
Using authentic drums such as the djembe, dunun, and talking drum, you’ll learn basic hand patterns, call-and-response techniques, and group drumming dynamic. The session fosters creativity, teamwork, and a deep connection to the powerful energy of African music.- Times: 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm
- Duration: 30 mins
- Capacity: 25 students
- Location: Creative Hub CH118
- Age Group: Year 6 to Year 9
Find out more about African Youth Arise.
Are monsters real? An insight into Neuroscience (UON)
This 45 min talk will share insights into the human brain exploring if monsters are truly real. Exploring brain function and neurological based research, the talk will explore human behaviours considered ‘monstrous’, with audience participation and demonstrations. A fascinating insight, this talk will appeal to students interested in the brain, human behaviour, understanding the science behind what makes us who we are and are exploring further studies or careers in psychology.
- Times: 11.15am and 12.15am
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 30
- Location: Learning Hub LH124
- Age group: Year 7 – Year 12
Biomedical Science: Investigating the heart
Come and have a ‘heart to heart’ with this interactive workshop. Explore how amazing a heart is through practical exploration and discussion with university staff and students. A very engaging workshop, especially for students with an interest in biology and physiology.
Warning: this is a practical workshop involving animal heart dissection.
- Times: 10.45am, 12pm and 1.15pm
- Duration: 45mins
- Capacity: 25 students
- Location: Creative Hub 314
- Ages: Year 8, 9 and 10
Dental Health and working in the NHS (UON)
Students will have a chance to have a go at some of the science behind being a dentist in this fun and interactive workshop! They will mix alginate impression material and load a tray. Students will be able to explore toothbrushing techniques using the models and look at oral health aids. They will learn more about careers in the NHS, particularly around dental health.
- Times: 11.00am or 1.00pm
- Duration: 1 hour
- Capacity: 30
- Location: Learning Hub LH344
- Age group: Year 6
Fairground Engineers Workshop
Step into the world of engineering and bring amusement park magic to life with K’NEX! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the principles of structural design, mechanics, and problem-solving as you construct your very own working Ferris wheel. Perfect for aspiring engineers and creative minds alike, this session will challenge you to think critically, collaborate, and discover how real-world engineering is applied in fun and fascinating ways.
Join us for an exciting experience where gears turn, imagination soars, and engineering comes to life—one K’NEX piece at a time!
- Times: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 20 students
- Location: Learning Hub LH127
- Age Group: Year 6 to Year 9
Fuze Coding and Games Workshop
FUZE specializes in making real coding accessible and engaging for people of all ages and ability levels. Fuze focus on the fundamental concepts of coding, strengthening and broadening any understanding the students have acquired in their computing lessons.Using the application ‘FUZE4 Nintendo Switch’ – a program they designed to make coding accessible for beginners, they utilise Video Game mechanics to contextualise computer science learning in an engaging and exciting way. This is not to be confused as playing games. Students are shown real world video game examples of the techniques they learn in action, maximising enthusiasm and receptiveness to more complex concepts.
- Times: 9.45am, 10.45am, 11.45am, 1pm, 2pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 30
- Location: Learning Hub LH125
- Age group: All
Gaming, virtual reality and simulation (UON)
Explore new worlds and challenge yourself with our virtual reality (VR) simulators.
- Times: 9.45am, 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 12.45pm, 1.15pm, 1.45pm, 2.15pm
- Duration: 30 mins
- Capacity: 20 students
- Location: Creative Hub 1st floor
- Age group: all ages
Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Stage & Screen
Experience our practical spaces, view high-end facilities and visit our custom studios. You will see some of the processes and practices of a working makeup artist.
Pop up stations will be set up to enable you to view equipment, professional tools and practical outcomes from hair, make-up, and special effects disciplines.
The subject team will provide an insight into the subject area, career opportunities and answer questions about becoming a Hair, Makeup and Prosthetic Artist and opportunities within the creative industry.
- Times: 9.45am, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm, 1pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm
- Duration: 15 mins
- Capacity: 20 students
- Location: Creative Hub CH305 studio
- Age group: All ages
Infection Detection – The Virus Hunt Workshop
Biology Workshop linked to GCSE Biology curriculum
Students will simulate the spread of a bacteria/virus such as Salmonella or HIV through a population by “sharing” (but not drinking) the water in a plastic cup with several classmates. Although invisible, the water in a few of the cups has already been tainted with the “pathogen.” After all the students have shared their liquids, the contents of the cups are tested for the virus. Students then set about trying to determine which of their classmates were the ones originally infected with the virus. Students will then conduct an experiment to identify any potential therapeutics to cure the infection.This workshop is led by the team of scientists from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
- Times: 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 30 students
- Location: Learning Hub 126
- Age group: All ages
Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning (UON)
Have a go in our sports labs, try out our fitness testing equipment and understand more about careers in sports rehabilitation and conditioning. A great experience for those interested in sports, physiology, biology or working in healthcare careers.
- Times: 11.45am or 12.45pm
- Duration: 45 mins
- Capacity: 25
- Location: Sports Pavilion, Experiences Zone
- Age group: All ages
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In addition to the exhibition, there are a range of spaces to explore and drop-in activities taking place at the University of Northampton. No booking required, suitable for all ages!
Learning Hub
Human Resource Management with UON
Understand the nuances of working in HR (Human Resources). What is HR? What skills do you need to work in HR? Drop in and have a go at our wellbeing activities for all ages.
- Location: Learning Hub first floor
Paramedic Science Ambulance Suite with UON
Drop into this immersive area to practice knowledge and discuss skills. An opportunity to see and use some of the equipment that assists in preparing Paramedic students for placement and patient care. See our mock-up of an ambulance and experience the space and equipment used by paramedics.
- Location: LH328
Public Health Careers with UON
A hands on fun experience of understand public health and careers in this sector.
Public Health courses cover many areas, including health issues such as obesity, diabetes and mental health, as well as those linked with public protection such as infectious disease surveillance and control.
- Location: Learning Hub first floor
Wildlife Displays
Interactive, educational animal encounter with lots of hands-on opportunities with a variety of exotic animals, including snakes, lizards, meerkats, spiers and pygmy hedgehogs.- Location: Learning Hub
Find out more about Wildlife Displays
Bubbly Maths – Fantastic Fractals Workshop
This workshop brings Maths to life with an opportunity to be part of a team building a giant tetrahedron from balloons. From 10.00 until 13.15 come and build a part of the tetrahedron before we raise this enormous 7m structure into one collaborative pieceFrom 13.30 onwards you can build individual tetrahedrons from paper
- Location: Learning Hub Exhibition Area
Please note this workshop includes inflated balloons and there is a risk that they could pop.
Find out more about Bubbly Maths
Creative Hub
Circus 250: Science Stilt Walkers!
Do you look up to scientists? Well now you really can! Science on Stilts is a walkabout performance where real-life scientists – who are also accomplished stilt walkers – do simple science experiments with you! They’ll stop on their stilts to have scientific chats with anyone who has high ambitions to learn more about science. Our scientists on stilts elevate how atoms are made or why bubbles reflect colours to a new height – and huge fun.- Location: Creative Hub Exhibition
eSports and Gaming (UON)
Have a go in one of our esports racing rigs! If any of your students are interested in esports, Gaming and Games Art, have a go in our Gaming rigs and chat to staff and students about careers in the industry.
- Location: Creative Hub 1st floor
- Age group: all ages
LemonPop graphic art
The Importance of Creative Arts Practice in STEAM
Imagination or ‘creative exploration’ plays an important role in STEAM, from planning to preparation to understanding processes, it is often overlooked as an art or skill however we would not be where we are in human development without it. Discover, Define, Develop and Express who you are through creative arts so you can live a fulfilling lifestyle focused on your wellbeing, happiness and success. Participants are lead through a creative visualisation process that is aimed at identifying skills and attributes so to make better decisions that will enable their progression or recognise and benefit their community. A process of solving problems and visualising ideas as a way to gain more awareness of self and recognising solutions.
- Location: Creative Hub Exhibition
Creative Film and Television with UON
Visit our television studio, and have a go with the green screen and experience what it is like to be in the gallery of a real studio! Be inspired to be the next producers, floor managers, sound specialist and television presenters of the future.
- Location: Creative Hub CH119
Fashion, Textiles, Footwear & Accessories Design with UON
Meet our Fashion students, see their work and be inspired by the fabrics they use, learn about the processes in Fashion design and speak to students about what is involved in being a Fashion, Footwear and Accessories designer.
- Location: Creative Hub CH201
Sports Journalism with UON
Working alongside the many sports clubs, bodies and media companies based in Northamptonshire, students studying a Sports Journalism degree will learn and apply audio and video production skills. They also learn how to write sports stories and understand laws and ethics which apply to sports reporting.
Work with students and staff from the Multimedia Sports Journalism specialism to understand more about careers in Sports Journalism. Visit the studio area, listen to students work and have a go with the equipment.
- Location: Creative Hub Exhibition Space
Experiences Zone (Sports Dome)
Immersive Experiences take over the Sports Dome!
Virtual Reality Headsets (Oculus Quest VR)
Step into space and float around the International Space Station. Find the answers to some of the common questions, such as where do astronauts sleep? How do they eat and how do they wash?
Augmented Reality Games (AR)
Work in pairs or small groups, and answer as many questions correctly as you can using AR technology! Exploring themes of innovation, art and creativity, our Augmented Reality curriculum games bring the topics to life with our 3D augmented visuals.
Experience ‘Astronaut’ in planetarium C
This is a drop-in activity, be prepared to wait. While you are waiting, have a go at the other exciting activities in the Experiences Zone!
- Duration: 30mins
- Age group: All ages
- Capacity: 45
- Timings: 9.30am to 3pm
Note: there are two additional planetariums with bookable slots prior to the day
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STEAM Northants is excited to offer a range of competitions to schools.
More details will be given to school leaders on the day! Grab an entry form and hand it to the Information Point. Competitions include:
Win a two hour workshop in your school with LemonPop!
Marvin at LemonPop uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the wellbeing of individuals, in a safe and creative space where participants are invited, guided, and encouraged to rediscover, define and develop him or herself through the art making process.