Mysterious creatures in the Loch, the science of learning and libel reform.. it's a mixed bunch of events this week for science events in Scotland!

Free summer science fun in Aberdeen (and beyond) for adults, families and children. There are walks, talks, drop-in sessions taking place. The messy play sounds like awesome fun.

Seen any other interesting scienc-y events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the right of the screen! 

The Winter Gardens at Duthie Park (Great if the weather is bad!)

·        Tues 15th Café Scientifique 7pm Waterstones INVERNESS, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

Cryptozoology: Science, Pseudoscience or Something Else? A relaxed talk and Q&A with Dr Charles Paxton, Research Fellow, School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of St Andrews. This discussion will explore the status of cryptozoology and ask whether the hunt for mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster is worthwhile.

·        Wed 16th Café Scientifique 7pm Waterstones Union Bridge ABERDEEN, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

The Importance of Character Strengths for Learning and Success. Enjoy some science with a coffee. Speaker Nicola Gibson will discuss why your intellect is not the only thing crucial for successful learning - find out more about the other factors involved. Your personality and the way you navigate your social environment may be just as important. 

·        Thurs 17th - Bringing Libel Reform to Scotland (EDINBURGH) 

The Defamation Act 2013 must be extended to Scotland. Can you join us in Edinburgh on Thursday 17th July at 5 pm?

We are bringing together lawyers, journalists, bloggers, academics, authors and members of civil society who would ike to be involved in a campaign to bring libel reform to Scotland. We want to gather examples of the libel 'chill' where journalists, consumer groups or scientists in Scotland have been discouraged from publishing on matters in the public interest. We would love to see as many of you as possible there.

It’s at the Saltire Society at 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TF at 5.00 pm on Thursday 17th July. Please RVSP to cpeters@senseaboutscience.org

FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

·        EVERY DAY - Satrosphere Science Centre (££) SCIENCE IN A SPORTS KIT

Satrosphere are celebrating all things sport this summer, taking a deeper look at the science behind sport, competition, and physical activity in our Summer of Sport Science, featuring Science in a Sport’s Kit!

Our summer programming includes brand new, on-the-floor activities and challenges testing balance, endurance, speed, strength, reaction, coordination and rhythm. A new quiz and workshops have been developed exploring a range of science and sport topics. (Great coffee shop too!) 

·        WED 16th Wild Dolphin Activity Day 14:30 - 17:00 Bridge of Don Library (DROP IN)

In partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), Aberdeen City Libraries will be holding free children’s events. The activities for children of all ages will take place in libraries participating in the Wild Dolphins School Dolphin Trail and will offer an opportunity for children to hold real dolphin skulls and bones, take part in colouring in activities and find out more about dolphins from a WDC volunteer. 

·        FRI 18th - LET'S GET MESSY - Play 1.30-3.30 Union Terrace Gardens No need to book

Join Aberdeen Play Forum's Play Rangers for extra messy play in Union Terrace Gardens.
Children will be able to play in a muddy puddle, mix up their own 'magic' potions and have fun in the 'Mud Pie' kitchen. You will get wet and messy! Please wear old clothing/waterproofs. Suitable for children of all ages.

·        SAT 19th - Day Tripper Family Fun event 10:30-12:30 Aberdeen Maritime Museum (DROP IN)

Join our Victorian tour guide for an enchanting storytelling tour of the Royal Deeside exhibition. Then make you own personalised luggage tag ready for your own summer adventure. Story tours will be held at 10:40am, 11:20am and 12pm. Sign-up on the day. All activities are free and drop-in. They are aimed at families with primary school aged children, but everyone is welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

·        SUN 20th - Duthie Park Ranger Service Environment Day - 12:00- 4.00 Old Bowling Green Duthie Park

Join the Duthie Park Rangers and Special Guests for an afternoon of fabulous family fun!

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! There are organised walks taking place around Aberdeen all summer. There is a small cost for them but you might find something new! 

Tune in to Shmu FM  at 2-3 on a Tuesday  (or listen again online) to hear the new TALKING SCIENCE Radio show and hear about the latest science in Aberdeen along with news, competitions and science you can try at home! 

Seen any other interesting scienc-y events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the right of the screen! 

Natural History Museum London Out of Hours

Last week I was lucky enough to spend some time in the Natural History Museum in London with no-one else around. It's one of my favourite places to visit in the UK and even better it is completely FREE.

If you do want to take a look around I would recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. I would also recommend taking a look online and time your visit so you can attend one of  the special sessions such as NATURE LIVE which run daily. At these short talks you can hear from the researchers and curators who work behind the exhibitions on display with the collections.

There is so much more to the museum than dinosaurs but it wouldn't be right to feature a blog post without  a picture of Dippy.

Speaking of collections, you wouldn't believe it from the empty looking main hall in the photograph below but there are over 70 MILLION specimens held in the museum. 70 MILLION. Can you get your head round a number that big? I can't. These range from giant squid to tiny specimens on microscopic slides. 

I had a spare 30 minutes to take the 'spirit tour' at the museum which was fantastic but be warned it can be a bit gruesome (see the photo of the partially digested squid head found in a sperm whales stomach below - I would love to have one of those on my mantelpiece). I learnt a lot more about the museum from the trail and the guide was able to answer questions about the specimens and collections. The tours run daily and give a peek into some of the specimens in the museum. The giant squid was impressive but seeing some of the original specimens Darwin collected on the Beagle voyage was very special. 

I also learnt that the museum uses flesh eating beetles to clean the bones of specimens and I saw a jar of sperm whale eyes. It would be a great visit for a Halloween trip.

Beyond the exhibitions that make you go WOW, OOH and EWW. The museum is also an active research institute partnering with universities around the globe to answer some of the big scientific questions from understanding complex ecosystems to investigating the fundamental geological processes that shape our planet and solar system. These questions are being answered through use of the museum collections, expertise and resources. 

Darwin watching over the main hall.


The Earth Hall. Unfortunately the escalators weren't working so I couldn't travel through the Earth.

A partially digested head from a Sperm Whale's stomach of course.
 

Disco rocks are found on the first floor of the museum.

This was my favourite exhibition in the museum which is the Images of Nature gallery. There are some beautiful drawings, paintings and visualisations of nature.

I was visiting the museum for Universities Week 2014 so there were lots of pop-up exhibitions going on including a volcano on the lawn.  

A view of  of the main hall from above

At the very top of the hall is a section of trunk from the giant sequoia tree. It's HUGE and this tree was over 1300 years old when it was felled. 

The museum is far to big to get round in one day. I've been a number of times and still haven't seen most of the building. I'm glad I wandered up to the top of the hall to see this ceiling though.

I really enjoyed  the 'Treasures' exhibition too and you can explore that online. It's a small exhibition but each of the exhibits in this collection are of mind-blowingly huge significance. This includes a first edition book of Darwin's On the Origin of Species published in 1859 and the oldest UK lion skull since the extinction of wild cave lions. I didn't even know these were a thing.

If you walk through the doors of the Natural History Museum I think it's impossible to walk out again without saying 'Wow, I never knew that'.

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Free COOL stuff in Aberdeen this week 16-22 June!

Looking for something new and FREE to do this week in Aberdeen .. there's LOADS on so there are no excuses for being bored!  

Monday 16th June - Cafe Philosophique 'Is Equality Good for Us?  The Blue Lamp 7pm, FREE just turn up! 

A short, informal talk and open discussion about philosophy! A great bunch of folk go along to this event. It's really chilled out and this talk should be really interesting! The talk will be delivered by Dr Beth Lord from the University of Aberdeen. Don't forget to get your free ticket for the finale of this season of Cafe Phi from the Belmont Filmhouse (27 June) for the 'Where does Scott Pilgrim Live?' with Professor Roy Cook all the way from the University of Minnesota! 

Tuesday 17th June - Shmu FM The very first 'Talking Science' Radio show! 2-3pm

Tune in for the very first in the series of Talking Science. A brand new Shmu radio show... brought to you by the Public Engagement with Research team at the University of Aberdeen (that includes me... :-/ ). I will be super impressed if anyone guesses the 'sound of science' challenge!!!  

Wednesday 18 June - Cafe Scientifique ' Danger High Voltage'  Tesla's Contribution to Society (FEATURING A TESLA COIL DEMO!) 7pm Waterstones FREE 

An informal short talk (30mins ish) with a live demo followed by a Q&A. Dr Ken Skeldon will be delivering this event (he's done science shows around the globe!) Plenty of people come on their own to these events so don't feel uncomfortable about just turning up. Coffee and cake available to buy from the Costa cafe.

At the weekend.. 

Why not take part in a 'Civic Hacking' event and help improve the city of Aberdeen? (FREE but registration required) 

Saturday 21 June - Meet the Scientist event during MND Awareness Week 

Meet and hear from researchers looking at Motor Neurone Disease. They will be in Satrosphere all afternoon delivering talks and sharing their work! (there is a small charge for the entrance fee to Satrosphere but it's TOTALLY worth it and their cafe is ACE). 

Visit the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens (that are looking beautiful at the moment) or Duthie Park (yes, all FREE)! 

See the Gray's School of Art Degree Show? (not science, but plenty of awesome design to be seen there!) Open 10-5 on Saturday and Sunday

Exhibitions..

Satrosphere Science Centre have loads of events and exhibitions going on throughout the week and weekend including their 'minibeast little scientist days', the 'grey matters' family show and the 'we are aliens' planetarium show! Some charges do apply and check here for full details.

Seventeen (Belmont street) 'Breathless Breastless' A breast cancer awareness art exhibition (10 -5 every day, 10-4 Sunday)

Kings Museum, Old Aberdeen, Exploring the concept of time 'Victorian Time: Spirit of the Age' (10-4 Monday -Friday, 11-4 Saturday) 

Seen any others that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Subscribe to updates by putting your email address in the box in the top right of the page! 

A spring stroll through the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens

Today I took a stroll through the beautiful Cruickshank Botanic Gardens in Aberdeen. The gardens are free to visit and open every day in the summer from 9am until 7pm. More information about the gardens including an interactive online map for those not lucky enough to be in Aberdeen can be found here.

If you visit the gardens during the week you might catch a glimpse of some of the researchers working in the greenhouses. There's lots of active research in soil and food sciences at the university going on and you can read some more about it here.

There's a cafe sci on soil science later in the year too!

And just to prove that the gardens are in Aberdeen because you might not believe me....

There are benches in the garden where you can sit and have some lunch so they are perfect for a picnic on a sunny day!

A visit to Bioparc Fuengirola!

I visited  Bioparc Fuengirola on a trip to Spain in May 2014. I went with my family and it's a great place to visit for a few hours. I think we spent about 3-4 hours there but you could do the whole thing in two hours or so!  It's easy for prams to get around and we saw lots of family groups with young kids and grandparents in tow.

I would recommend taking the lemur tour which runs hourly from the big Baobab tree and is on a first come, first served basis. You don't get many chances in life to get close to lemurs!

The plant life, layout and design of the parc is great. I like the way they have used bamboo and wood to create the enclosures. My dad made friends through the glass with one of these Fulvous Whistling Duck. 

You can get close to many of the animals in the enclosures. I think the bird enclosure was my favourite. You can walk through and the birds are roaming throughout the space.

It's in this area we also saw the famous baby Java mouse-deer also known as SUPER CUTE TEENY TINY DEER. Here's a picture of one of the parents having a wee (I always manage to capture special moments with my camera). The newborn was hiding in the corner so I couldn't get a photo. 

I've written about zoo's and attractions before on my previous blog. I don't like seeing animals in captivity especially animals like chimps, orangutans, big cats and gorillas. I do know they do play a role in conservation and awareness but I am not sure where the line between exploitation and education is. I'm not an expert in this area and I would like to hear from anyone who can share information about how the bioparc operates and performs on their care of animals and feeds back into conservation efforts. Is there a rating system for zoos?

There is a striking information point in the middle of the park that shows images of animals housed in small concrete cafés in zoos (possibly Fuengirola zoo) and how zoos have moved on from that era. Still, seeing a tiger pacing up and down its enclosure still feels a bit sad to me.

The parc has many interesting species of ducks, birds, bats (fox bat!) and deer. Various snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles (including a Pygmy one). Also, a Pygmy hippo which was hiding sleeping user a bridge so I didn't take a photo. There was only one spider at the zoo, like most places they could make more of their creepy crawlie and bug section. 

The parc has lots of trees so is mostly shaded which you will be thankful for if you visit in the summer heat! We used some of the big leaves to shelter from the rain (rain in SPAIN)!

The cafe at the parc is good and reasonably priced for a tourist attraction. I had a bioparc sandwich which had salad, mayo and chicken sandwiched between 3 slices of toast with a soft fried egg poking through. 

The park is easily walkable (5mins) and is signposted from the train station in Fuengirola. The park is open every day other than Christmas but the opening times vary based on the season. See the website for full details.

Special night time park visits run in July and August. 

It's €17.90 for an adult ticket but there are concession and children's rates available. You can also buy yearly passes to the zoo.

http://www.bioparcfuengirola.es/en/

Cool things I found this week for big kids and little ones

Universe in a box (yes, that's right!)

This box of awesomeness has been created to get children aged 4-10 excited about the universe. Created by the very cool sounding 'Universe Awareness Team'  the box contains a range of activities and props including a solar system, globe and activity book. It includes everything a teacher or kids group leader would need to run over 40 activities and inspire the young 'ens.

The wonderful Abi Ashton who is working on their Kickstarter project which is aiming to get the Universe in Box to underprivileged communities around the globe said she liked the box because it is, "lo-tech and can be used anywhere in a hi-tech world (particularly because places with less technology tend to be richer in astronomy resources- less light pollution)"

You can support their Kickstarter project here and get your own Universe related goodies in return and be happy knowing that you are supporting a fantastic project. Because the Universe should be universal...... 

AND if you are a big kid that wants to nosy you can try out and look through the activities online here.

That questions in science haven't changed much since 1791....

In 1791 on the 25 September. The Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society posed the question

'Exercise as a Preventative of and remedy in diseases.'  Much like the Cafe MED we hosted on Monday night titled Exercise and Health. Although the Medico-Chirgical society had a very strict policy that only members could discuss matters. Now we involved the public. 

I know this because you can have a nosy at all the minutes and information from the society in the published online archives here which I thought was pretty cool.

BioArtAttack Competition

The Society of Biology have launched a competition for school age children to create art work based on biology. They want people to film themselves creating their works for the competition which closes in August. There are lots of resources for those wanting to participate (including group leaders and teachers) on their website. 

For some bio-inspired art check out Artologica on Etsy who creates some awesome art works.

(almost all) Completely FREE stuff to do in ABERDEEN this week.. MAY FESTIVAL PICKS

The 6th of May is the start of the University of Aberdeen May Festival MAY-HEM. There are LOADS of events taking place for adults and families across the weekend. Lots are bookable in advance but there are lots of drop in sessions too. I've rounded up my picks of the bunch below. 

These events still have tickets available but they are going really quickly so book fast to avoid disappointment! I am volunteering at the festival and have helped to organise a number of events and I will be around the whole weekend and for plenty of the MAY-HEM events too. Click the title for links through to further info. 

MAY-HEM

Tues 6th PechaKucha Aberdeen 7pm Belmont Cinema, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

A night of image based presentations from a number of different speakers in Aberdeen showcasing interesting music, photography, stories and projects. Always good fun and always a great mix of ideas. Talks will include space art, music, vegan food and a whole lot more!

Thurs 8th The Brahan Seer Legend 7.30pm Cellar 35, FREE NO NEED TO BOOK (get there early!)

Aberdeen Skeptics present another laid back talk and discussion night. This time with Dr Alex Sutherland who will explore the strategies used by those who believe  in prophecy to perpetuate their belief, using the Scottish Highlands’ Brahan Seer legend as a model.

The MAY FESTIVAL 2014 - 9th - 11th May - ALL EVENTS ARE TICKETED! 

Friday 9th May

Hidden Killers of WW1 1pm -2pm FREE

In WWI there were huge numbers of casualties, but surprisingly around one third of all deaths were due to hidden killers - infections. This talk will explore the fatal culprits involved and how infections could have been prevented

Scottish Identity Today: The Enormous Contributions of New Scots - 2pm - 3pm FREE

With the help of one of Scotland’s leading population statisticians and a panel of experts, this event thematically debates the underlying changes which have made Scotland a more cosmopolitan, vibrant and diverse nation. How have these new Scots, including our thriving Asian and Polish communities, added to our national distinctiveness?

Aberdeen (Uni's) Got Talent: 2pm -3pm FREE

Hear short (3 min) talks from postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen about their research subjects. - this session should be good and a very good chance to hear from some of the possible professors of the future. 

Lessons from the Flightdeck: Applying Aviation Psychology to Medical Education 5pm - 6pm FREE

Descriptor is in the title! Should be an interesting talk! 

Saturday 10th May

Natural Produce Market 10-4 (drop in)

Drop in and BUY FOOD! Taking place in Elphinstone Hall

On the road to better bones 10-4 (drop in)

Step into the bus outside Elphinstone Hall. Come aboard our new mobile bone health truck GO-MOBILE, bringing latest scanning techniques for osteoporosis to doorsteps across the North of Scotland.

David Bond: Project Wild Thing 1.30 - 3.30 pm (£6/£4)

Project Wild Thing is the hilarious, real-life story of one man’s determination to get children out and into the ultimate, free wonder-product: Nature. Film Screening followed by a discussion. Project Wild Thing is a film led movement to get more kids (and their folks!) outside and reconnecting with nature. The film is an ambitious, feature-length documentary that takes a funny and revealing look at a complex issue, the increasingly disparate connection between children and nature.

Genetic Testing for You? 1.30 - 2.30 pm (FREE)

Professor Miedzybrodzka, Co-director of the University of Aberdeen Centre for Genome-enabled Biology and Medicine and Clinical Director for NHS Grampian Genetics Services, will describe how state-of-the-art genetic testing is personalising everyday medical care, helping people to make life choices and improving the health of the people of Scotland.

Wet Floor Signs are my Nemesis 5 - 6 pm (FREE)

Neil Fachie was born with a degenerative eye-condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. This talk seeks to explain how sport has helped him realise this needn't be a limiting factor in his life. A light-hearted look back at his life to date, culminating in Paralympic success at London 2012.

Bright Club 8.30 pm - LATE! (£6/4)

THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME! Bright Club returns for 2014. It's a comedy night with a difference.. featuring sets from researchers from the University of Aberdeen (you might well see one of your current/old lecturers on stage) and the amazing Eleanor Morton. Bright Club is where brains and comedy collide to bring you an entertaining night of laughs and new ideas.

Sunday 11th May  

Hack 'n' Make Faire 10-4 (drop in)

FREE. Drop in and make cool stuff all day! 

On the road to better bones 10-4 (drop in)

Step into the bus outside Elphinstone Hall. Come aboard our new mobile bone health truck GO-MOBILE, bringing latest scanning techniques for osteoporosis to doorsteps across the North of Scotland.

Health or Wealth 12 - 1.30 pm (FREE)

Debate! What really impacts on our health and wellbeing? Is it down to the food on our plates or the money in our pockets? Does environment matter more than exercise? Come and join a lively panel debate featuring wide-ranging views on the tough questions concerning the wellbeing of people in Scotland. With Dr John Bone (Sociologist, University of Aberdeen), Dr Sandra Carlisle (Anthropologist, University of Aberdeen), Ewan Gurr (Trussell Trust Scottish Coordinator) and Ally Prockter (Head of Community, Aberdeen Football Club). Chaired by the BBC’s Health Correspondent Eleanor Bradford.

Creationism, Fundamentalism & Science - Where's the Problem? 1 - 2pm (FREE)

With so many hot potatoes here, one can only speculate how Professor R. J. Berry will grasp the nettles! But grasp them he will. Known for his scientific acumen as well as his Christian faith, this lecture will promise much for the scientists and the Christians as well as the undecided!

Energy versus Anxiety 2 - 3pm (FREE) 

DEBATE! We’ll explore the basic question of whether developing technologies can really keep the lights on? A panel of industry and academic experts will discuss the challenges and what energy choices might look like in the future. A lively afternoon with plenty of time for audience comments and questions. With Professor Jim Anderson, John Scrimgeour, Dr Euan Bain (all University of Aberdeen) and Jeremy Cresswell (Editor, P&J Energy Supplement). Chaired by the BBC’s Eleanor Bradford.

In Conversation with Kate Adie 3 - 4.30 pm (£10/£8)

Kate Adie blazed a trail for journalism, and for women, reporting live from war zones and hot spots around the world.

Kitchen Killers 4.30 - 5.30 pm (FREE)

DEBATE! Expert scientists present what’s known about common kitchen bugs that can cause serious illness to you. Take part in a discussion to find out the best way to stay safe in your kitchen. Presented by Professor Hugh Pennington (Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, University of Aberdeen), Professor Norval Strachan, Dr Kenneth Forbes (both University of Aberdeen) and Dr Kevin Pollock (Senior Epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland).

The Battle for Britain 6 - 7pm (£6/4)

The Independence Referendum is the single most important constitutional issue in the United Kingdom's history since its inception. Journalist and broadcaster David Torrance, acclaimed for his political biographies, uses his latest book, The Battle of Britain, to set the scene for a May Festival debate with a panel of distinguished guests.

There are LOADS of exhibitions taking place too - I will be putting a separate post for those up as you do not need to book to see them.

I produce lists of events going in Aberdeen that sound interesting and are a bit science-y. Seen any other interesting events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the top right of my blog page!