Science might seem like something that happens in sterile labs behind closed doors, but that’s not really the truth of it. There’s a wide range of places out there that allow you to visit their facilities to see scientific research and work as it goes on. Check out their laboratory furniture, ask questions about what’s going on, and find out everything you wanted to know about the procedures and work that happens at museums, hospitals and many other locations. Let’s take a look at some of the places you might be able to see scientific equipment and processes, and some of what you’ll find if you visit them.
In the UK, there are a number of organizations that are choosing to promote the different sciences by offering open lab days and other visitor options. Public bodies and businesses are opening their doors to let ordinary people see what’s going on, and to improve relations with the public. This is a great opportunity! There’s a lot that kids and adults alike can learn if we take advantage of these open days to see what does on at some of our major institutions.
One of the great things about these open days is that rather than being bland tours, many institutions are going to great lengths in order to make these events both interesting and appealing to those who choose to visit. For example, at the Institute of Biomedical Science, visiting students have an opportunity to monitor the progress of the dummy patient regarding the different departments within a laboratory. They have an opportunity to get up close and personal with pre-prepared samples and results. Furthermore, they can scrutinize bloodstains, blood films and a wealth of other information, including a comprehensive presentation by histologists.
Until one actually takes part in such a tour, it’s difficult to imagine just how much work is required for something as simple blood analysis. By going on one of these tours, you can mingle with staff displaying the latest laboratory furniture, such as fume extraction equipment or laboratory fume cupboards. You also have the benefit of seeing the relevant slides projected onto a wall and also, you have an opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the most interesting pieces of equipment imaginable.
Of course, not everyone has an interest in medicine and in that case you may want to consider a visit to the Natural History Museum’s Earth Lab instead. There you will be able to view an unbelievable amount of minerals, rocks and fossils in conjunction with all the different facts and procedures relating to geology. Additionally, one gets an opportunity to compare various specimens using a microscope together with the use of a database which is incredibly user friendly. Considering that there is also extremely helpful staff on hand to offer information and explanations, this is one opportunity you may not want to miss.
For those with an interest in astronomy, Jodrell Bank has a dedicated visitor center offering extremely interesting talks relating to astronomy. Furthermore, visitors also have an opportunity to see the famous Lovell Radio Telescope and the Jodrell Bank Observatory. Interestingly enough, Jodrell Bank regularly hosts special events which are open to the general public. Providing you’re willing to make an effort to find out when such an event is being hosted, you’ll have all the opportunity you’ve ever dreamed of, to find out exactly what goes on at an observatory. For the vast majority of people, astronomy is simply enthralling and as such, you’d be well advised to find out more about it.
At the Institute for Animal Health and similar institutions, you can check out visitor centers and learn more about what happens to food before it gets to the store. Livestock and crop growing information are available, but there’s more than just farming. You’ll also see some of the information about bacterial problems that can come up in food production and how they’re dealt with. Just like most of the other laboratories you’ll get a chance to see, animal related ones will have a lot of interesting laboratory furniture and equipment. It can be really exciting for kids and adults alike. We should all know where our food comes from and how it gets on our plate, and you’ll be surprised at how little you really know.
One can hardly deny the fact that science in general, is of paramount importance to mankind and as such, we can only be grateful for an opportunity to visit a wide range of labs and view processes ranging from fume extraction to complex blood analysis. What once was hidden behind closed doors is now becoming increasingly accessible to the greater majority. Irrespective of where your passion lies, there is virtually something for everyone, providing of course you choose to visit a lab that is in line with your own interests.
Tags: days out, fume extraction, lab furniture, lab installation, laboratory fume cupboard, laboratory furniture, laboratory installation, science