Autumn Labs - Building on the Success of Last Year’s Summer Labs
Reading age: 11-13 years
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Intended audience: Parents and Guardians
Author: Gareth Campbell
If you’re looking for creative half-term activities in Bristol, our upcoming workshop is the perfect way to give your child something fun, inspiring, and truly memorable to do during the school holidays.
Last summer, The MoSAIC and Science Creates welcomed children aged 11 - 13 into an exciting series of summer holiday workshops in Bristol. Our Summer Labs brought together the best of art and science activities for children, giving young people the chance to explore creativity, experiment with real scientific ideas, and discover just how inspiring learning can be when disciplines come together.
Parents and guardians told us how much they valued a holiday club that was both fun and educational, where their children could be curious, social, and creative in equal measure. Last year’s sessions explored the world of an art forensic scientist and making music with chemistry.
We were able to offer the Making Music with Chemistry sessions completely for free to young people with SEND thanks to funding from The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Participants tuned test tubes with carefully measured volumes of water so that they would produce different pitches, like chemical panpipes. After determining the best metal to produce hydrogen gas, they then replaced these volumes with hydrocholoric acid and along with magnesium metal, they were able to collect and ignite hydrogen gas, producing the note they had tuned their test tube to. With the help of many different sized vessels, the participants were able to sample a variety of tones using a sampling app. They then experimented with making tunes from the sampled noises made by a chemical reaction.
We were especially proud of how inclusive the workshops were, welcoming neurodiverse young people and ensuring every child had the chance to take part fully. These unique holiday sessions showcased the incredible potential of young minds when they earn in an interdisciplinary way.
Participant using various volumes of water to tune test tubes in last year’s Making Music with Chemistry session.
What’s Next: October Half-Term Workshops
Building on the success of Summer Labs, we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new two-day workshop this October half term in Bristol. Designed especially for 11-13 year olds, this hands-on experience will help children step into the role of interdisciplinary artists, blending visual art and science in exciting and accessible ways.
Hosted at the Science Creates Learning Lab, participants will:
Meet real scientists from cutting-edge companies such as Kelpi, GenomeKey, and Scarlet Therapeutics.
Explore their fascinating research and discover how science connects with everyday life.
Create original visual artworks inspired by science, using drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, or digital tools.
Share their ideas with scientists and peers, building confidence and communication skills.
Contribute to The MoSAIC’s next virtual exhibition.
Students investigating how to increase the efficiency of model balloon cars at Science Creates.
This is much more than a holiday activity, it’s an opportunity for your child to grow as a creative thinker, collaborative problem-solver, and budding artist. This two-day masterclass has been subsidised by The MoSAIC and STREAMS Learning Hub to make it just £30 per day.
For parents and carers across the South West of England, finding October half-term activities for children that are engaging, affordable, and meaningful can be a challenge. Our workshops offer:
Educational holiday activities that inspire curiosity.
A safe, welcoming space where young people can thrive.
Creative workshops for teenagers that spark imagination.
The chance to meet professional scientists and work in a real research environment.
Inclusive opportunities, price is subsidised to make it similarly priced to a
At just £60 for the two days, this is a subsidised holiday workshop that delivers excellent value and lasting impact.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage parents to book early and secure a place for their young artist. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of interdisciplinary artists and see the incredible artworks they create!
Book your child’s place here
About the author:
Gareth, a.k.a Gaz Lawrence, is MoSAIC’s founder. Gareth is a former science teacher and now works as an interdisciplinary artist and STEAM educator.
Gareth is currently reading: ‘The Gilded Gutter Life of Francis Bacon’ by Daniel Farson
The MoSAIC is offers a range on STEAM workshops on Astrophysics, Colour Theory and Generative AI to show students and educators how creativity and other STEAM skills are necessary for the sciences and STEM subjects. Explore here.