ABERDEEN Science Centre has teamed up with Disney and Pixar to celebrate the science that inspired the movie Lightyear, offering a selection of hands-on and interactive activities, inspired by the movie and its characters.
Throughout June, visitors will be offered the chance to strap in and take part in several out of this world engagements, stepping into the boots of the nation’s favourite space ranger and learn about the science of outer space.
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Featuring three unique activities, visitors to Aberdeen Science Centre will be put through their paces with ranger bootcamps and exciting experiments that will truly determine whether they are worthy to be a member of the Galactic Alliance and fight the evil emperor Zurg.
The ‘Space Ranger Bootcamp’ will involve the participants completing a series of challenges designed to test problem solving and multitasking skills while building space craft, piloting robots and solving intricate puzzles.
The ‘Rocket Launch Experiment Zone’ explores the scientific marvels that allowed us to make it into orbit, examining the chemical reactions involved in rocket launches by building and testing visitors’ own rocket ships.
This activity allows for a truly astronomic experience that tests the skills that every good space ranger needs.
There will also be sessions specifically for junior space rangers, with the ‘Under 6’s Rocket Science’.
These are aimed at the youngest budding astronauts who can design, decorate and launch rockets from the Under 6 zone’s rocket launch pad.
The Lightyear programme of activities will run at Aberdeen Science Centre from Wednesday, June 1 to Thursday, June 30, with normal opening times applying. It is recommended that tickets are purchased in advance to avoid disappointment.
Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “The space ranger sessions at Aberdeen Science Centre will be a wonderful addition to the activities that we have on offer. We are proud to be celebrating the release of Lightyear alongside Disney and Pixar and we cannot wait to welcome all the budding space rangers through our doors.”
“The hands-on and interactive sessions will be excellent learning opportunities and a brilliant introduction to space travel, allowing people to step into the world of Buzz Lightyear and the real-life men and women who are brave enough to journey into the unknown.”
“Every space ranger’s journey has a beginning, and we hope that a few of those journeys will begin at Aberdeen Science Centre.”
Recently awarded 5-star status by VisitScotland, Aberdeen Science Centre reopened to the public in November 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
The centre’s exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and the dedicated area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are brought to life.
Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous 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 – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.
While advance booking is not required for the Lightyear activities, it is recommended that visitors pre-book tickets for Aberdeen Science Centre to avoid disappointment, tickets can be booked at https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/visit/#openingtimes. Standard ticket prices apply.
Please note that the Lightyear activities will not be running on Friday June 10, 17 and 24.
