Science Up Close

At the Science and Technology Facilities Council, we are dedicated to inspiring and involving people with our research and technology. Use the links below to explore events, resources and activities developed and delivered by our Public Engagement Group.

About Us

Events

Find out about public and school events at our National Lab Facilities

Resources

Discover free teacher resources, posters, and videos about our science and technology

Contact Us

Get in touch with us if you have questions

Borrow the Moon

Learn more about our NASA Moon rock loan box scheme for school

Dark Sky Discovery

Find the best place near you to view the stars

Latest Resources

Book cover of 'James Webb Space Telescope Deep Space Diary'

James Webb Telescope Deep Space Diary

Help your primary school students explore the ultimate frontier with the James Webb Space Telescope! While designing and deploying a powerful telescope, students learn about our…

Little Poster of Extreme Universe

This poster illustrates the extremes of our universe- from the densest star to the coldest object in the universe.

Little Poster of Gravity

This poster illustrates gravity, its impact on orbits and its effect on space and time.

Little Poster of Star Stuff

This poster explores different types of stars, their chemical compositions, and their lifecycle.

Little Poster of Space Rocks

This poster describes the different type of space rocks, from meteors to comets and astroids.

Little Poster of The Sun

This poster describes the surface and atmosphere of the Sun, its chemical composition and how it was formed.

Our Events

Fri 10 Oct 2025

Talk

Scientist in safety gear kneeling in an underground cave at Boulby Underground Laboratory, examining rocks near a reflective pool under orange lighting.

World Space Week: Boulby Live Link

In celebration of World Space Week, join us for this special live link deep underground to the Boulby Underground Laboratory – one of the most unusual and fascinating places to do science in the world! You’ll hear about the amazing…

Tue 14 Oct 2025

School workshop

Student on laptop completing Ada Lovelace Day challenge

Ada Lovelace Day Online

Ada Lovelace Day Online is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths. To celebrate, RAL will be hosting a hybrid (online and in-person) computing challenge day for classes of students from Year 8…

Tue 14 Oct 2025

School workshop

Two students using a laptop during Ada Lovelace Day

Ada Lovelace Day at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Ada Lovelace Day is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths. To celebrate, RAL will be hosting a hybrid (online and in-person) computing challenge day for classes of students from Year 8 or…

Fri 23 Jan 2026

Family talks and workshops

Stargazing at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Our annual Stargazing at RAL event will next be held on Friday 23 January 2026. There will be plenty to do for the whole family, whatever the weather. There’ll be meteorites, rocket building, comet making, a series of fascinating talks,…

Fri 23 Jan 2026

Talk

Stargazing Talks Online

Our annual Stargazing at RAL event will next be held on Friday 23 January 2026, both online and in person at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. Bookings will open on Friday 9 January 2026 on our booking page (which will…

Public Access Day

Doors Open Days at Royal Observatory Edinburgh

Join us for Doors Open Days- an amazing chance to see behind the scenes at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and find out about the people who work here! You will get a chance to learn more about the out-of-this-world work,…