Celebrating National Science Day(s)

Science fans of all ages can celebrate the 138th anniversary of the birth of the great theoretical physicist Albert Einstein by participating in National Science Day events from March 14 (the actual date) through March 16.

Science, Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akunis said the events, which will be held at universities and research centers around the country, make science accessible to the general public and raise public awareness and interest – especially in youth – in scientific and technological concepts.

“We in Israel have some of the most brilliant minds in the world and much creativity,” Akunis said. “Those are the reasons why we have turned in a hi-tech powerhouse. To continue to lead and for the rest of the world to respect us, we are bringing science closer to all at no cost.”

The theme of the three days is “Israeli discoveries and developments that affected the world.” Events will take place in 20 locations – from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba and Rehovot to Ariel, Rahat and Baka al-Gharbiya. A conference is scheduled for foreign ambassadors serving here to learn about science and technology and opportunities for cooperation between nations.

The Technoda Technological Education and Science Center in Hadera will host an astronomical event, featuring experiments and workshops in space labs, along with visits to the planetarium.

The Hecht Museum on the campus of the University of Haifa will offers quizzes, discoveries beyond the lens, thinking games based on similar activities from ancient times, and a children’s play on events that changed the world.

Ariel University will present lectures, lab experiments, robotics and tours, as well as simulations, including medical simulations. Other universities will offer their own unique programs.

In Rehovot, the Weizmann Institute’s Davidson Institute for Scientific Education will open its scientific garden to lectures and workshops suitable for the whole family.

In Haifa – on the campus of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology – Madatech, the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space, will offer a special event for all visitors, who will be asked to donate an object to create a large joint object. Participants will also be able to learn about electricity, 3-D printing and flights to space.

For more information, go into the ministry’s special website (in Hebrew) at http:// scienceday.most.gov.il.