Special events for schools are at the heart of ScienceFest which aims to inspire the next generation to consider one of the many exciting careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Over 5000 pupils took part in last year’s schools programme, and this year there are a wide range of events planned. Check them out below:
Don't forget to take a look at the Competitions!
Bloodhound SuperSonic Car – on the road
Fri 12 March
Times: 10-11am, 12-1pm (Lasts 45-50 minutes)
Bloodhound SSC is a project to build a car capable of travelling over 1000mph. Find out how a hybrid rocket works and just how powerful the air can be in this entertaining science show. How will you react to the sonic boon? How will the Bloodhound team keep the car on the road? Suitable for upper KS2 & KS3.
Capacity 150 per session.
Booking: Essential. Call 0191 2438223
Refundable deposit of £50 required.
NB: Also running for the general public on Saturday 13 March as part of Maker Faire.
Biodiversity workshops
Running throughout March
To mark the InternationalYear of Biodiversity 2010,the Centre for Life presents a range of new workshops tocelebrate life on earth. Thesewill include; Minibeasts and me (KS1); Animal Adaptation(KS2); and Darwin’s Worms(all levels). As part ofScienceFest, all schoolsbooking workshops in Marchcan enjoy free entry to theLife Science Centre. As well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions, live science shows, planetarium shows and motion simulator ride, there are downloadable trails which use the fabric of the exhibition to study a wide choice of topics.
The Armstrong and Swan Show
Mon15 - Fri 19 March
This actor-led interactive science show features the ghosts of William Armstrong and Joseph Swan. These famous locals are meeting for Armstrong's birthday. Using science demonstrations and audience participation, pupils will learn about their inventions and decide who made the most impact on our lives today.
Suitable for KS2 & KS3.
Booking: Free, booking essential. Call Rachel at Discovery 0191 2326789
Flapjack’s Pirate Challenge
Mon 15 – Fri 19 March
Showtimes: 10am & 1pm (Lasts 1hr 15 mins)
Flapjack’s ship is in urgent need of repair - it keeps leaking and his crew are getting wet! Pupils will join Flapjack’s pirate crew to carry out experiments and help him find the best materials for the job. Workshop suitable for Key Stage 1, covering curriculum topics of Science, Design and Technology. Suitable for KS1 (and SEN groups).
Booking: Free, booking essential. Call Rachel at Discovery 0191 2326789
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Galileo and the Stolen Telescope
Thu 11 - Fri 12 March
Showtimes: 10.15am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2pm (45 minute show)
Students are invited to travel back in time to 1609 and take part in a presentation to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication ‘The Starry Messenger’, in which Galileo announced his amazing discoveries of the night skies using a telescope which he claimed to have invented!
Suitable for KS3 & KS4
Booking: Reservation required: £2.50 per student. Contact the Learning Team 0191 2226865
Option of also visiting the Planetarium: 1.95 per student.
Creature Features
Mon 15 – Wed 17 March
Showtimes: 10.15am, 11.15am, 1.30pm (45 minutes sessions)
Working with the company ‘Animals In-Tuition’, pupils will meet live animals such as lizards, snakes and marsupials. Find out where the animals live, what they eat and their special adaptations. Suitable for KS1 & KS2.
Booking: £2 per child. Booking essential. Call 0191 2226865 or visit the museum.
Forensic Investigations
Wed 17 – Thurs 18 March
Session Times: Wed: 1pm only. Thu: 10am & 1pm. (Lasts 1.5hrs)
Working with some of the museum’s most interesting collections, students will develop a hands-on approach to forensic science in the museum setting. Students will be introduced to data handling and develop new investigative skills and techniques. Ethical and moral issues surrounding this subject are also discussed. Suitable for KS4.
Booking: Essential Call 0191 2226865
Adapt
Wed 17 – Thu 18 March
Session Times: Wed: 1pm only. Thu: 10am & 1pm. (Lasts 1.5hrs)
Explore the diversity of the animal kingdom - using the museum’s real specimens and exhibits to discover the science behind the variety of life as we know it. Come along and investigate how specialised features and variation help organisms adapt to their surroundings. A fantastic opportunity to work with the Great North Museum: Hancock’s more interesting residents, not normally seen by the public. Suitable for KS3.
Booking: Essential. Call 0191 2226865
99% Ape: An Introduction to Human Evolution
Wed 17 – Thu 18 March
Session Times: Wed: 1pm only. Thu: 10am & 1pm. (Lasts 1.5hrs)
Darwin’s theory suggested that man had descended from ancestral apes. A revolutionary concept at the time, his theory of evolution questioned humanity’s place in the universe – but do we know the full story? Join us on a human odyssey as we explore the themes of common ancestry, diversity and natural selection. Look into how we, as modern Homo sapiens, evolved from more primitive ancestors. Suitable for KS3 & KS4.
Booking: Essential. Call 0191 2226865
Explore! More Study Collections
Fri 19 March
Showtimes: 10.30-11am, 11.15-11.45am
Take an exclusive look ‘behind the scenes’ at the Great North Museum: Hancock. The Explore! More study collections cover a variety of interesting topics and allow visitors to get ‘hands-on’ with some of our most amazing objects and specimens.
Suitable for KS2 & KS3. Each session limited to 15 students.
Booking: Free, booking essential. Call 0191 2226865
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“Fish and Ships” Workshop
Dove Marine Laboratory
Mon 15 March
10am-2.45pm
Estuaries and coastal environments. Pupils
explore the way in which the geography and
environment of the Tyne estuary has influenced
ship design, wildlife, culture and economy
through a day of challenging hands-on activities.
What lives where within the estuary? What
forces and factors do we consider in designing
a boat?
Suitable for KS3.
Booking: Free, booking essential. Call 0191 222 3059
Marine Science Masterclass:
“Applied solutions to biofouling in the marine environment”
Dove Marine Laboratory
Tues 16 March
10am-2.45pm
Blistering barnacles we have a problem! Find out what could be harmful in having animals stuck to the bottom of a boat, and how you as a scientist could solve this! Explore the rocky shore for solutions, and delve in with the scientists in the lab to find out more. Suitable for KS4.
Booking: Free, booking essential. Call 0191 2223059
Oceans of Options
Dove Marine Laboratory
Fri 19 March
10am-3pm
Our oceans hold many opportunities that you may not have considered. Hands-on activities and chances to talk to people in marine professions. We will “speed-date” our way through an exciting timetable of tasks, quizzes, and chats. The only opportunity not here, is the opportunity to get bored! Suitable for KS4.
Booking: Essential. Call 0191 222 3059
Genes in a Bottle
Mon 15 – Fri 19 March
In school DNA workshops, includes the chance for pupils to sample their own DNA. Workshops last 1hr 30mins, suitable for KS4.
Booking: Contact louise.mccarthy@newcastle.ac.uk.
Carrying Coals: Energy, Forces and Pulleys
Mon 15 - Thurs 18 March
9.30am-11.30am & 12.30pm-2.30pm
This workshop at the Victoria Tunnel combines an underground trip inside this amazing feat of engineering with lively, hands-on activities to create an engaging, curriculum-linked investigation into energy and forces. Suitable for KS3.
Organised by the British Science Association.
Alnwick Gardens Teachers' Science Weekend
Sat 13 - Sun 14 March
10am - 4pm
Alnwick Garden
A great opportunity for teachers and their families to visit the Alnwick Garden free of charge, and learn about a range of Science and Engineering activities that their students could get involved with. A range of activity providers will be in attendance, including the Institute of Physics, Science Learning Centre, NEPIC and Centre for Life. Teachers will also learn about the education programme offered by the Alnwick Garden, and will get the chance to handle and learn about snakes, spiders and insects with Jay’s Animal Encounters!
Booking: Free for teachers and their families (Proof of teaching status required). Other Adults: £10.
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Have you got the ECS Factor?
Royal Quays Quayside
Thu 18 March
10am-3.30pm
Have you got what it takes to come up with solutions to the BIG problems of today? Dove Marine Laboratory staff invite you to take the ECS Factor challenge! Come up with Environmental Consultancy Solutions to climate change, engineering, marine ecology or medical problems all with a marine theme. Suitable for KS4 & KS5.
Booking: Essential. For information or to enter see here.
Design a Renewable Future Competition
The energy of the future is being generated in North East England. With expertise in the areas of low carbon technologies and the oil & gas sector, the energy market in the region is worth £900m and, employs around 8,000 people. NaREC and Newcastle Science City invite Key Stage 3 students to develop a way of encouraging society to think about the importance of renewable energy through the design of a new product or piece of promotional literature. For info call 0191 2113027, or email Jo.Soulsby@newcastlesciencecity.com.
SciCast North East
In 2009, ScienceFest and Newcastle Science City piloted SciCast North East – a short film competition with Blue Peter’s science presenter Steve Mould. The 2010 competition will launch in September and include teacher training workshops on making short films. Register your interest online here.