Lighting the spark in Nottingham with 3-2-1-Ignition*

With support from RSA Catalyst Rick Hall & Ignite! have developed 3-2-1-Ignition* the world’s first Science Pop-up shop which opens on the 15th of October.  In this post Rick outlines details of this innovative idea and explains how you can find out more.

An empty Nottingham city centre shop is to be transformed into the first science ‘pop-up’ shop in October.  The temporary shop located in the Broadmarsh shopping centre and is designed to bring science and technology to the general public in a unique pilot project backed by the Nottingham City Council’s Science City initiative, the RSA and partners from education and industry.  

the idea behind 3-2-1-Ignition* is to bring the latest developments in science and technology to the general public in ways that they will find exciting, amazing and fun

The shop, developed by Nottingham based education company, Ignite!, is modelled on other shops in San Francisco and London where education workshops are linked to themed retail outlets – but this will be the first time a shop ‘selling’ science and technology activities will be set up in the UK.

The space will contain demonstrations of cutting edge science research as well as innovative technology such as programmable computers and 3D printers.  Schools will be able to book workshops on topics ranging from Earth Sciences to the workings of the brain, and members of the general public will also be able to take part in hands-on experiments and activities as well as pick up information about the science-based industries, courses and careers available in Nottingham.

One particular feature of the 3-2-1-Ignition* shop will be workshops run by children from Lab_13 another Ignite! initiative where pupils manage their own science lab in school.

Director of Programmes for Ignite!, Rick Hall, explained, ‘the idea behind 3-2-1-Ignition* is to bring the latest developments in science and technology to the general public in ways that they will find exciting, amazing and fun.  We want this pilot to grow into a new kind of Curiosity Shop, where people can explore and investigate their own science interests.’

it enlightens them about the diverse range of career options that are available

Cllr Nick McDonald, who holds the portfolio brief in the city council for jobs, skills and business, said, ‘Nottingham has a proud history of science and innovation and in recent years has built on this reputation to become a designated Science City.'

The city’s continued commitment to cutting edge science and technology is at the heart of Nottingham’s Growth Plan – the strategy to stimulate growth and enterprise. The city’s new Creative Quarter is designed to foster enterprise and innovation further boosting Nottingham’s scientific credentials.

The science shop will help stimulate enthusiasm for science amongst young people and their families. I hope it enlightens them about the diverse range of career options that are available in the sector.”

The shop will be open from 15 to 31 October in the Broadmarsh shopping centre, Nottingham, with normal shop hours.  The shop will also coincide with the Nottingham Games City Festival from 22-28 October.  Information for the public about the shop, including schools bookings for workshops, is available from http://ignitionpopupshop.wordpress.com

Funding for the project has come from the European Community via the European Science and Events Association, EUSEA and the PLACES programme; with additional support from Nottingham City Council and the RSA Catalyst fund.

The shop will be open from 15 to 31 October

If you are interested in discussing 3-2-1-Ignition* please contact Rick at Rick@ignitefutures.org.uk and if you have similar project ideas across the East or West Midlands contact Richard to discuss.  Richard is the new programme manager for the region and can be reached by email at richard.pickford@rsa.org.uk or on twitter @pickfordrich