By Anne Lechelle, marketing manager, Science Oxford

Since Science Oxford first opened in October 2005 it has been enthusing visitors, young and old alike, about the wonders of science. Whether it is families with children learning through playing, university students visiting an exhibition, local societies holding their meetings, or adults interested in culture discussing the latest research with scientists, Science Oxford has catered for a wide variety of the people of Oxfordshire.

To celebrate its third anniversary, Science Oxford will be thanking the people of the region by hosting a week-long celebration. All the activities between Saturday, October 25, and Saturday, November 1, will be free for both adults and children.

For adults, ‘Apocalypse How?’ takes a look at the ways that scientists has told us that the world is going to end. What with epidemic viruses, super volcanoes, and climate change, not to mention asteroids or alien invasion, it’s hard to know which one's going to wipe humanity out first!

But there's a way to find out, which is to discuss the issues with the scientists concerned, starting with ‘It Came from Outer Space!’ on October 28 at 6.30pm.

For children and their families, Hands On science gallery will be open and free of charge throughout the week (except Sunday). Hands On has a range of permanent exhibits that focus on scientific ideas from magnetism to light and sound.

Children can operate a digger arm using hydraulics, create an aerodynamic train in a wind tunnel, and the most popular of all, take a ‘picture’ of your shadow.

In addition, our week of birthday celebrations will kick off a new temporary exhibition, ‘Spy School’, with children undertaking a top-secret mission which will test their observation skills, puzzle solving and code breaking.

Of course, no celebrations at the end of October would be complete without a ‘Halloween Show’, which takes place on October 30 for the whole family to enjoy.

With our free activities, we are not only celebrating our birthday but we are thanking audiences who have visited us so far and encouraging others, perhaps more sceptical about a science centre as a place of enjoyment, to give us a try.

For more information, visit www.scienceoxford.com, call 01865 728953 or call in at Science Oxford in St Clements.

The Science Matters page is co-ordinated by Science Oxford, cultural centre for science based in St Clements, Oxford. Visit www.scienceoxford.com for details.

Science Oxford, 1-5 London Place, St Clements. Call 01865 728953, or visit www.scienceoxford.com