ABERDEEN Science Centre is kicking off 2020 with a host of fun-filled events throughout the start of the year on spellbinding science, workshops on the digital world and survival skills.
With events to suit all ages from young children to adults, thousands of visitors are expected to attend the centre’s temporary space at 107 George Street, Aberdeen.
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The Science of Magic is already underway, taking place every weekend and holiday until Sunday, March 1.
Unveiling the science behind the curtain, visitors will see the science magicians use to enchant audiences with their impressive tricks and skills.
For anyone who’s ever wanted to be a wizard, Allan’s Magic will deliver a series of ‘Wizard School’ shows at the centre on January 18, with numerous showtimes throughout the day, demonstrating how STEM can be used to create magic tricks.
It’s time for the adults to test their science knowledge in Science After Dark, an adult-only quiz night taking place on January 21 from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Themed around New Year’s resolutions including dry January, fitness goals and spending more time with friends and families, the event will allow participants to celebrate all three while working as a team.
Visitors are encouraged to have a go at programming robots in the ‘Magic of Robots’. This half-term special takes place on February 13-19 and is fun for the whole family.
Catering for little explorers, Aberdeen Science Centre is hosting a Magic School. On January 25-26, youngsters will get to stir up some magic in the centre’s potion workshop, watching for colour changes and bubbling eruptions.
That same weekend, little explorers will investigate slime during an interactive story session while practising mixing and measuring skills.
On February 22-23, children will be able to make hovering butterflies in the science centre’s levitation workshop and have the chance to investigate optical illusions in Duck! Rabbit! story session.
For most workshops, no prior booking is required, and normal entry fees apply.
Aberdeen Science Centre also offers four-week clubs for various disciplines, offering youngsters the chance to learn in a fun workshop environment. Clubs cost £10 per child for the four-week term.
Back by popular demand next month, Coding Club will take place from February 9 until March 1 between 11am and 1pm. Designed for ages 8-12, youngsters will be introduced to digital concepts and be immersed into the digital world and learn about programming through engaging hands-on workshops.
This year, the theme for the Engineering Club will be Shipwreck Science. Children aged 9-12 will need to put their creative thinking and practical skills to the test, as they find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island. The budding engineers will need to make survival tools as they devise a plan that leads to rescue.
Elaine Holland, manager of Aberdeen Science Centre said: “January can often feel like the magic of the festive period has worn off, so we’ve brought it back in the context of science to help beat those January blues.
“With workshops for all ages, from young children to adults, visitors can experience the science behind magic and learn new skills as well as having fun with family and friends.
“We also have other workshops on such as our coding and engineering club, designed to boost interest in STEM and show how it’s applied day-to-day for personal and professional development.”
The centre is undergoing a multi-million-pound redevelopment and is due to reopen in summer 2020, with Bancon Construction carrying out works at The Tramsheds on Constitution Street.
The centre’s redevelopment includes an extension and creation of a new mezzanine floor – almost doubling the exhibition space – and exposing the roof structure to allow natural light to flood into the building.
Ahead of the centre’s reopening, visitors can continue to enjoy interactive exhibits, inspiring activities and topical science events at 107 George Street while the work is being carried out.
The £4.7million redevelopment has been made possible by support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome.
Additional support has been granted by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
For more information on Aberdeen Science Centre, visit www.aberdeensciencecentre.org
