UK's first Science Garden open for visitors

The UK’s first Science Garden has opened at Birmingham’s Thinktank, giving people of all ages a space to have fun in the sun while learning about science. The inventive exhibits include an eight-metre-high ‘Terminus’ machine and a giant human hamster wheel that has a top speed of 30 revolutions per minute.

One of only a few in the world, the Science Garden is an interactive outdoor exploration space that brings themes of engineering, mechanics and transportation to life through 42 hands-on exhibits and fun zones. Features of the garden include the first ever square-wheeled people wagon, a giant weighing station and the 'pulley me up' exhibit, which have all been especially designed to inspire people about the science of the world around them in a fun and appealing way.

Visitors can also try their luck with the 'elasticated squirter', a unique water piston that uses elastic potential energy, and crank up two fast-moving propellers for the Flyer exhibit, which links with the Hurricane and Spitfire fighter planes already on display in the main museum building.

In addition, the Science Garden will host an engaging programme of events and activities throughout the summer, including new science shows to be delivered within the outdoor classroom for visiting groups.

The Thinktank Science Garden is supported by Biffa Award, Millennium Point Trust, and a range of other charitable trusts and foundations, including the Wellcome Trust.