A CHANCE to hunt for dinosaurs, use pedal power to generate electricity and take a closer look at sunspots will be some of the activities on offer as part of a free science-themed fun day.

Malvern Science in the Park takes place on Saturday, July 1, between 10.30am and 4.30pm in Priory Park. The event aims to promote the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through a series of interactive experiments and games.

Activities include the chance to hunt out the prehistoric creatures hiding in the park as part of a special dinosaur trail and the opportunity to have a ride on an energy bike in a bid to power various household appliances.

There will be science-related dance workshops to take part in, stories about the history of medicines, opportunities to blow giant bubbles, launch mini rockets and the chance to get a closer look at sunspots with Worcester Astronomical Society.

A series of short fun talks from the bandstand will explain the scientific world around us, including appearances from Sir Isaac Newton, aka Don Southey, a local STEM ambassador.

The event is being organised by the social enterprise Innovate Malvern and the local branch of the Institute of Physics, with support from Malvern Hills District Council and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Dr Adrian Burden, managing director of Innovate Malvern, said: “Nationally there continues to be a shortage of scientists and engineers, and we know that here in Worcestershire there is high demand for these skills within our local businesses. Our aim is to show the younger generation and their parents that science is fun, and encourage them to continue to study sciences at school in the future.”

District council leader David Chambers said: “There is overwhelming evidence that the earlier a child engages with the wonders of science the better the educational and career outcomes in later life. Malvern is the home of scientific innovation, and we want to support our young people to be part of the inventions and discoveries of tomorrow.”

Visit innovatemalvern.com/science-in-park for the full line-up of activities.