The major public event celebrating science, technology and innovation returns from 2 to 12 October with the theme “Scholarly Flavours”. For the occasion, the science culture centres of Mines Saint-Étienne invite audiences of all ages to sharpen their curiosity through workshops that break the mould. See you at La Soucoupe, Explora and Explora Provence!
This year, Fête de la Science invites us to explore the links between science and gastronomy in greater depth: a unique opportunity to take an interest in lesser-known aspects of food. Between sensory experience and technological innovation, the planned activities foster a taste for discovery.
Science on the menu
At the Explora Provence centre, the student union has put together an original programme, combining interactive trails and themed workshops:
- “From seed to plate”, to understand how electronics plays a role in agricultural production, food processing and quality control.
- “Inside food”, to discover how the visible properties of food depend on microscopic structures and invisible interactions between molecules.
- “Bon appétit”, to shed light on the scientific principles at work in the kitchen: from the salad spinner to the induction hob, as well as the energy contained in food.
- “Eating better”, to develop critical thinking about our everyday diet.
- “The science of preservation”, to uncover the secrets of food preservation.
- “Discovering sustainable digital technology”, to measure the environmental footprint of our uses.
At Explora Saint-Étienne, young visitors will be able to get hands-on with two fun workshops:
- “Croc’tout”, to discover where food comes from, how to put together a balanced meal and top up your energy.
- “Make your processed food”, to find out which foods are hidden in an apple cake… and taste the results of your experiments!
Fostering scientific curiosity
Fête de la Science helps promote scientific culture as a tool for understanding the world in all its complexity. As a result, young people in Saint-Étienne will enjoy two open-access days – “Explora celebrates science” and “La Soucoupe celebrates science” – to test, observe and ask questions…
Two highlights at La Soucoupe will push the boundaries of imagination: the “Science Evening”, dedicated to astronomy, and the talk “Quantum physics in 3 key experiments”, to unravel the mysteries of this bewildering field.
Finally, at Explora Provence, everyone will be free to explore sustainable electronics, visit the interactive exhibition “Bayflex, brain and bioelectronics”, or even contribute to research!
For Mines Saint-Étienne, showcasing this national event across its two campuses is also an opportunity to highlight the work carried out throughout the year by its Centre for Scientific, Technical and Industrial Culture – La Rotonde.
