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Electrifying demonstrations and journeys into the far reaches of the universe (metaphorically) are all on offer over the next ten days as National Science and Engineering Week 2008 is celebrated at museums and other venues around the UK.

From the 2,000 or so events going on, we’ve plucked a selection that will stir up a current of excitement.

Benjamin Franklin, inventor and founding father of the United States, had quite a few ideas of a scientific nature.

His former home in London will be hosting a free day of activities suitable for all on Monday, March 10 (11am-4pm), so get to Benjamin Franklin House to find out about his electrical experiments, his musical invention the Glass Armonica, and ideas about canals.

People might have thought Franklin was a little eccentric in his day, but the two scientists coming along to bring their Science in a Suitcase show to Colchester Castle are certainly a whacky pair. Their bizarre experiments use everything from plungers to bullwhips, mime and music, and their groundbreaking research projects include the world’s smallest planetarium, quantum hair enlargement and the funny side of the centrifugal force.

The 30-minute Science in a Suitcase performances are included in normal admission price, running at 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.

© British Association for the Advancement of Science
Photo of a boy holding a thought bubble with the question 'Can we cure the common cold? written on it

More wide-eyed amazement is guaranteed with space-themed events, of which Kendal Museum’s on March 15 (2.30pm) sounds pretty awesome. A Tourist’s Guide to the Solar System invites visitors to enjoy an exciting tour around the most fascinating sights and landscapes of our amazing solar system.

See spectacular pictures of Earth’s sister worlds! Fly over a Martian volcano three times higher than Everest! Soar through Saturn’s rings! Swoop over Jupiter’s Great Red Spot!

Stuart Atkinson of the Eddington Astronomical Society is your tour guide on this trip, which is included in the normal admission price, children and full time students free.

On a more earth-bound note, Portsmouth Natural History Museum is inviting youngsters to come along on a minibeast safari on Saturday March 15 (10am-4pm), with microscopes helping to bring tiny creatures from the museum garden into focus. Big beasts will also be getting attention, with University of Portsmouth experts on hand to answer questions on Pterosaurs; fossils to see and feel and a 'dinotastic' craft activity.

Lucky Portsmouth schoolchildren will also be looking down the city’s drains with special tours of the sewerage pumping station at Eastney Beam Engine House on March 12 and 13. The building is open one weekend a month during the summer, for those who aren't on this special school trip.
Photo of children with questions on cards

© British Association for the Advancement of Science

From March 11 to march 14 Fermanagh Museum is looking at how scientific advances have changed everyday life in a programme called From Hand to Mouth, which will cover health and environmental issues in the context of how local lifestyles have changed in the last 50 years. Contact the Learning and Access Officer on 028 6632 5000 to book a place for £2.

Part of the week is the Big Question, where you can post your queries on the Science and Engineering Week website and have them answered by scientists.

The V&A Museum of Childhood has gone for a similar approach with its Science Boffins in Space days (Saturdays March 8 and 15; 11am, 1pm; 2.30pm), when 6 to 11 year olds will be able to find out the answer to questions including ‘Is there gravity on Mars?’ and ‘Is the moon made of cheese?’

Over 12s and adults can also find out ‘The Truth about Space’ with a series of talks by Jerry Stone at the museum on the same days.

For full what’s on listings for the week, which runs from March 7-16, visit the Science and Engineering Week website.