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! 

(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! 

Easter Inspiration - Visit the Mission Possible Exhibition in Aberdeen

This month is your very last chance to visit an exclusive exhibition in Aberdeen all about how biology effects our lives, and its future applications, at Satrosphere Science Centre.

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.

MISSION POSSIBLE  is currently touring Europe and flew in to Aberdeen in November. It will not be visiting anywhere else in the UK anytime soon so you should visit it while it is right here in Aberdeen. The exhibition is super interactive, with games and touch screens and it features displays created by researchers here in Aberdeen including some amazing microscopic images.

The exhibition challenges you to think about how difficult decisions are made, such as how fishing quotas are decided. It also looks at the complexities of our day to day needs such as where your food comes from in "You are What you Eat" which looks at the food miles, calories and CO2 emissions of everyday food.

You can also learn about the history of scientific breakthroughs in Scotland and how researchers today are trying to make Scotland, and the world, a better place to live.

The exhibition alone is worth a visit but there are also lots of events and activities taking place throughout the Easter holidays at Satrosphere which are based on the contents of the exhibition including Science Club (suitable for ages 6+).

The Cafe Controversial talk series is also running alongside the exhibition.  The next event is on the 22nd of April (the very last day of the exhibition) and Professor Howard Davis from the James Hutton Institute will be discussing GM Crops and the place GM crops have in modern agriculture. All Cafe Controversial events are free to attend, and you just turn up ready for the talk to start at  7pm in the Satrosphere Cafe (they make excellent cakes too!).

Mission Possible is organised by the BIOPROM project consortium aimed at bringing together experts who work with or on new concepts for communicating bioeconomy research to the public from both regional and global sources. From November 2013 to April 2014 the project will focus on Aberdeen, communicating research through the Satrosphere exhibition in partnership with the University of Aberdeen. For more information on the consortium please visit www.bioprom-net.eu. To keep updated with the exhibition in Aberdeen and all events, follow @BIOPROMabdn on twitter.