Topology is the mathematics of shapes – how they connect together in space, and what their interesting properties are. Mathematician Katie Steckles will talk you through some of her favourite shapes, including some you’re probably familiar with already – and others you won’t believe!

Katie Steckles is a mathematician based in Manchester, who gives talks and workshops on different areas of maths. She finished her PhD in 2011, and since then has talked about maths in schools, at science festivals, on BBC radio, at music festivals, as part of theatre shows and on the internet. She enjoys doing puzzles, solving the Rubik’s cube and baking things shaped like maths.

Age guide: 7+ (you know your kids best – this is a recommendation, not a restriction)