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.

COMPLETELY FREE stuff to do in Aberdeen this Week! (April 18th - 25th)

• Tues 22^nd Café Controversial  7pm Satrosphere Science Centre, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

GM crops: Raking up the facts  with Professor Howard Davies James Hutton Institute. Come and discuss the science behind the GM crop headlines. Always plenty of opportunity to ask questions at these events (and this should be a great debate!)

• 23rd April - Lunchtime talk! 30 YEARS OF ABERDEEN MARITIME MUSEUM 

John Edwards 12.30-1pm  Booking essential call 01224 337714 

• Wed 23^rd Café Scientifique 7pm Waterstones Union Bridge, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

Seeing into old age – Dr Karin Pilz School of Psychology University of Aberdeen – vision often worsens with age but is it the eyes always to blame? Come and discuss the role of the brain in vision-related changes during healthy aging. 

• Thurs 24th - Skeptics in the Pub  - Aberdeen's Witchcraft Trials - 7.30 pm - Cellar 35 

Aberdeen had witches?! Whaaat! And witchcraft trials??! Whaat! This talk is free (in a cellar), there's no need to book - just turn up and there will be  drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic available to purchase. 

• (NOT FREE) Thurs 24th - VIKINGS LIVE! From the British Museum - 7.00 pm - Cineworld Aberdeen

An exclusive, expertly guided tour of the British Museum's new blockbuster Vikings exhibition. Featuring BIG SHIPS and insight into how these great warriors shaped our modern lives. Also featuring Professor Neil Price from the University of Aberdeen. 

• Thurs 24th - LECTURE - Universal Access to New Essential Medicines - 7pm - Kings Conference Centre, Old Aberdeen. 

The Inaugural Jim Petrie Lecture, delivered by Professor Hans Hogerzeil. Organised by the Medico-Chirurgical Society. Free but you can book places by email or phone 01224 437104.

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! 

And if you don't even want to leave your house you can check out virtual exhibitions in Aberdeen too! 

The George Shepherd Pharmaceutical Collection consists of a virtually complete Victorian pharmacy interior and business archive unique in the UK (the LEECHES jar looks very similar to lots of the storage tins in John Lewis...) . The collection was donated to Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums by George Shepherd, one of the last directors of the successful Aberdeen pharmacy business Davidson & Kay. You can view all the images online! 

Booking for the May Festival 2014 is now open. Get tickets now for things like BRIGHT CLUB 2014 (where researchers do comedy) and check out all the MAY-HEM events coming up! 

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 right of the screen! 

(mostly) FREE stuff to do in Aberdeen this week (April 10-17th) !

• A talk about Fungi (TONIGHT) 7.30 pm Zoology Lecture Theatre Tillydrone Avenue ABERDEEN

This talk introduces the diversity of the kingdom of the fungi and explains how these extraordinary organisms are functioning all around us.By turn fascinating or feared; hopefully you will leave thinking the fungi more friend than foe.

• Simon Singh is here this weekend for an event with Aberdeen Skeptics in the Pub and British Science Association (but unfortunately this event is sold out already)

• Visit the Mission Possible Exhibition at Satrosphere (EVERYDAY!)

You might normally associate biology with how your heart works, or with the creepy crawlies found at the bottom of your garden but this exhibition explains how biology is related to our everyday lives through agriculture, biotechnology, our food and our well-being. There's a picture of a Highland cow too so it must be good.

• CafeMED Monday 6pm is All about how we use blood donations (where do they go?) FREE 6pm Suttie Centre 

It's 100 years sience the first blood transfusion. With over two million blood donations in the UK last year alone, we'll discuss what happens to donated blood and the pros and cons of transfusion. With Professor Mark Vickers and Dr Henry Watson. Cafe MED is a short talk followed by a Q&A there are refreshments available.

Booking for the May Festival 2014 is now open. Get tickets now for things like BRIGHT CLUB 2014 (where researchers do comedy) and check out all the MAY-HEM events coming up! 

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! 

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 right of the screen! 

Things to do in Aberdeen at the beginning of April

Looking for something new in Aberdeen this April?... Here's a round up of exciting goings on that you might want to check out... 

Friday 4th April - Engineering in the Ancient World: Building the Parthenon 

New Kings 10 7.30 pm- Free Tickets here

A FREE (whoop) talk about engineering in history on a Friday night. No prior knowledge of subjects required. 

7th -11th April - Easter Science Club 

Satrosphere Science Centre

Various workshops, fun and games with science for kids of all ages. More info here.

Saturday 12th April - The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets with author Simon Singh 

Cineworld at the beach, 4pm. Small charge for this event - tickets ESSENTIAL!!

A talk followed by a Q&A. Suitable for adults and teenagers. Book signing will be taking place after the event in the Cineworld bar. Event organised by Aberdeen Skeptics in the Pub and British Science Association Branch in Aberdeen. 

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! 

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 right of the screen! 

Free COOL stuff in Aberdeen this week!

Looking for something new and FREE to do this week in Aberdeen? 

Tuesday 18th Feb - Cafe Controversial 'buy one throw one out' Satrosphere Science Centre 7pm, just turn up! 

A short, informal talk about how we solve the problems of food waste - is it all the fault of supermarkets? Talk (30mins ish) followed by a lengthier Q&A with coffee (and awesome cakes and tray bakes available to buy). No prior knowledge of subjects required. 

Wednesday 19th Feb - Cafe Scientifique 'What the Frack?' Waterstones, Union Street 7pm, just turn up!

A short, informal talk (30mins ish) followed by a lengthier Q&A with tea and coffee available to buy. No prior knowledge of subjects required. There should be an interesting discussion at this one!

Thursday 20th Feb - Aberdeen Skeptics in the Pub 'Why women want fake looking breasts' The Bar Below, Belmont Cinema, 7.45 pm, just turn up!

A straight talking short talk (45mins) followed by a Q&A with alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks available. Suitable for an over 18s audience due to adult themes. Plenty of people come on their own to these events so don't feel uncomfortable about just turning up!

At the weekend.. Why not visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum for an exhibition on astronomy (FREE), or the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (yes, all FREE)! 

Monday 24th Feb - Cafe MED launch event - Men and Cancer

6pm, Suttie Centre Cafe Foresterhill Health Campus

Hear from researchers and clinicians in the same place to discuss the past, future and present of dealing with male cancer and how those affected and their families cope. 

Short, informal talks (15 mins each) followed by a lengthier Q&A with coffee and tea available to buy. No prior knowledge of subjects required. 

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

Location:Aberdeen,United Kingdom