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! 

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!