British Science Week – Making Science Fun!


Sparking an interest in science at British Science Week 2016. Photo courtesy of British Science Association

British Science Week 2016 sparks into life at the end of next week. From March 11-20, British Science Week celebrates science, technology, engineering and maths with a programme of fascinating, entertaining and engaging events across the UK.

Last year, 5000 events took place, engaging more than 1.6 million participants and this year, British Science Week is on target to smash last year’s record as there are already thousands of events registered on the website.

Here are a few of the events and activities happening in Scotland…

Discovery Day

Aberdeen Science Centre, Constitution Street, Aberdeen
March 19, 2016
£1 entry fee, under-3s free

Discovery Day is the British Science Association Aberdeen branch’s fun, free, day at Aberdeen Science Centre. Suitable for all ages, in addition to the usual interactive excitement and exhibitions, there will also be lots to inspire you from the wonders of science. Meet scientists from the University of Aberdeen, attend exciting Satrosphere shows, try out hands-on activities and much, much more!

Doors open at 10am with activities running throughout the day. No need to book, just come along!

Public Observatory Tour

Acre Road Observatory, Glasgow
16-18 March 2016, 18:30 onwards
Free

Discover your inner stargazer at the free public tour of the recently-refurbished University of Glasgow Observatory. Tours include a planetarium show, an astronomy workshop, an ‘ask an expert’ session, and a demonstration of our 16-inch Meade telescope. A star gazing session will also be included – weather permitting!

This event is free, but booking is required on the website.

Perception Lab

Museum of the University of St Andrews, St Andrews
16 March 2016, 17:00-19:00
Free

Come along to this fantastic drop-in event being held at the Museum of University of St Andrews by the Perception Lab team at the University.

The team, led by Professor David Perrett, will be discussing their thought-provoking and cutting edge face perception research. Find out what makes a face attractive or intelligent-looking, how to boost your own facial perceptions, and what you’d look like as a chimpanzee with an interactive photo booth.

This event is free and no booking is required.

Buoyant adventures with the RNLI

Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine
19 March 2016, 10:00am onwards
Normal museum admission charges apply (£7.50 Adults/£5.50 Concessions, Kids – up to three per paying adult – go free)

The Scottish Maritime Museum is hosting a day of family-friendly science-themed activities during British Science Week. From live demonstrations and science experiments to expert talks and heritage discoveries, there will be something for everyone at this exciting family day.

Find out why boats float and how lifejackets were developed, plus learn about the self-righting mechanisms used on lifeboats by the RNLI today. Find out more here.

To find British Science Week 2016 events in your area, click here.


British Science Week

  • British Science Week is a national celebration of the best of British science, technology, engineering and maths.
  • To plan, register or attend an event, click here.
  • British Science Week is organised by the British Science Association and supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Other partners include 3M and Project Mc2, as well as a range of other organisations.

BSA

The British Science Association (BSA) believes science should be part of society and culture. The BSA encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with science, become ambassadors for science, and be empowered to challenge and influence British science.

Established in 1831, the BSA organises major initiatives across the UK, including British Science Week, the British Science Festival, regional and local events, the CREST Awards and other programmes in schools and colleges.