The University of Aberdeen in conjunction with Aberdeen Science Festival will host Discovery Day, a free, fun family day of activities, this weekend (Sunday, September 14)
Research will be made real with hands-on activities, demonstrations and exploration of science, art and more at the Explorathon Extravaganza. With family friendly activities for all ages, learn about how research can have an impact on your life.
The Discovery Day will run from 11am – 4pm at Elphinstone Hall in Old Aberdeen.
Activities on the day will include:
Fearsome Beasts & Ice Age Adventures
Aberdeen – 12,000 BC! Its Scotland, its 14,000 years ago, the ice sheets were retreating and people, and animals were back! Come along and learn about Fearsome Beasts, Life in the Stone Age and explore the Ice age using creative methods.
From Fuel to Fire: How to Build a Rocket!
Techfest in partnership with the Royal Institution
1pm, 3pm
Get ready for liftoff with our exciting family-friendly science show, 'From Fuel to Fire: How to Build a Rocket!' Join us as we explore everything you need to know to design, build, and launch a rocket. From the basic materials to the science behind propulsion and fuel, this show will ignite curiosity and inspire future scientists and engineers of all ages. Whether you’re a budding rocket scientist or just love things that go whoosh, this is one show you won’t want to miss! Warning: Don’t try this at home — leave it to the pros and enjoy the blast safely with us!
Light Up Your World!
TechFest in collaboration with University of Aberdeen Physics Department kindly supported by the Institute of Physics
‘Light Up Your World!’ invites audiences to have fun with hands-on activities as they explore the nature of light and its impact on our daily lives, learn about sunlight and day length, weather, global warming and energy generation and explore the role of light in quantum physics, astrophysics, communication and health care.
Marie Curie – Living Statue
Discover the fascinating story of Marie Skłodowska Curie, a true icon and inspiration for women in science. Not only was she the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize, but she also won it twice in different scientific fields, paving the way for generations of women in STEM.
STEM Hub
Meet a variety of presenters from across the world of STEM in Scotland, with hands on activities; including researchers from Robert Gordon University.
Dr Chris Croly, from the University of Aberdeen’s Public Engagement with Research Unit, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming people of all ages through the doors of Elphinstone Hall on Sunday for what is set to be another fantastic Explorathon Discovery Day.
“There will be a wide range of ‘research in action’ going on, with something for all members of the family on offer. Best of all, it is all completely free and so we hope lots of local folk will take the opportunity to visit the University for a taste of just some of the fantastic research taking place on campus.”
Aberdeen Science Festival is an exciting festival powered by TechFest and aimed at adults, including students and senior school pupils, with Hot Topics and STEM Nights set to generate thought-provoking discussions and debate. Running from September 14-27, the festival provides the opportunity to delve into a diverse and intriguing programme and celebrate the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Aberdeen Science Festival is sponsored by Equinor and supported by joint principal sponsors bp and Shell UK. For information and to book, visit https://techfest.org.uk/festival/aberdeen-science-festival.