THE UK's first temporary shop dedicated to science has opened in Nottingham.
The 3-2-1-Ignition "pop-up" shop at the Broadmarsh Centre aims to bring science and technology to life for shoppers young and old.
The project has been backed by Nottingham City Council's Science City initiative and partners from education and industry in the city.
Hasmita Chavda, programme development assistant for Nottingham-based education company Ignite!, which is running 3-2-1-Ignition, said: "This is the first of its type in the UK which is very exciting for Nottingham. We hope to be visited by lots of people, and I hope that many will go away with a new found interest in science."
The shop contains programmable computers and 3D printers. Schools will be able to book workshops on topics ranging from Earth sciences to the workings of the brain.
Meanwhile, visitors will also be able to take part in hands-on experiments and learn more about science-based industries, courses and careers available in the sector.
There are also plans to run workshops for children, by children.
A group of school children from Nottingham's Primary Parliament were given a tour of the new science shop yesterday as part of its official opening.
Members were shown a pop-up classroom and given the opportunity to participate in science and technology activities in the shop.
Ignite! say the shop, which is open for just four weeks, is modelled on similar initiatives in San Francisco where education workshops are linked to themed retail outlets.
The company said it was the first time a shop promoting science and technology had been set up in the UK.
Councillor Nick McDonald, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for City Centre, Business and Skills, said: "We want to inspire future generations to take advantage of Nottingham's growing reputation for science, innovation and creativity.
"This shop will give people of all ages the opportunity to experience for themselves how exciting science can be.
"They'll also get a flavour of the variety of ways of getting involved with science and research, whether it's for pleasure or as a career."
The shop will be open in the upper level of the Broadmarsh Centre until November 10.
Partners in the initiative include South Nottingham College, Bilborough College and New College Nottingham, as well as Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham, and the city's GameCity festival.
For a full list of workshop times and details, visit www.ignitionpopupshop.wordpress.com/schedule/.