The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fife Science Festival
Various venues March 14 - 23
THINK YOU know “science”? Think again. Fife Science Festival, which starts today, will be stretching the definition of “science” in the extreme, highlighting the sheer fun, fascination and intrigue of everything from rockets and robots to First World War communications, astronomy, crystals, forensics and creepy crawlies.
With exciting, colourful and inspirational activities cropping up in a host of weird and wonderful venues ranging from museums and shopping centres to schools, busy streets, a farmers’ market and a café, the festival will run from today until March 23.
Funded by The Scottish Government and Fife Cultural Trust, it will involve a diverse range of free events for the general public and both primary and secondary schools, all coordinated by Dundee Science Centre and Fife Cultural Trust. High spots include: How Whales Sing for Their Supper where you can meet the scientists who follow whales and investigate these mysterious ocean giants; Rothes Halls Family Fun Day, where you can meet some of the experts and try a variety of activities suitable for all ages; Science Magic at MUSA in St Andrews where you can learn science-fact instead of science-fiction and marvel at magic slime and optical illusions; Cosmic Quest led by spaceflight expert Nigel Henbest who will be looking at the inside story of the history of astronomy, from the Aboriginal people of Australia to modern day astronomers who are discovering planets around other stars; the Free Family Fun Day at Dundee Science Centre – see innovative science shows, explore the hands-on exhibition and lots more; Science in the Shopping Centre – a fantastic opportunity to mix shopping with science so take a break from the shops and discover more about the research and innovation that is taking place in Fife; and From Flintlocks to Rifles in which Dundee scientist and festival old-hand David Wharton will team up with The Black Watch Castle and Museum to explore the science behind the museum collection and the history of this famous regiment in a series of exciting experiments and demonstrations. He’s also investigating how cold is really cold in Colder Than Space.
David, a chemistr y teacher at Baldragon Academy, believes in making science as visual and interactive as possible. “You have to relate it to everyday life – for example, the reason you chop up potatoes to make them cook faster is the same principle that makes a coal power station work. Even young babies are learning about science as they play with their rubber duck in the bath. When it’s raining our instinct is to run to stay drier rather than standing still, but there are good scientific reasons behind why we do that.
“I would like to see every region, town and village have a science festival so that people can see that science isn’t over their heads – it’s something we learn about every single day often without even realising.”
The secret to making science fun and appealing is to understand people and what they know, and what interests them, says David.
“It’s no good scientists getting lost in their own little esoteric world – you have to take people from where they are and make them want to know more. I know that what I’m teaching at school hits home when a child opens his or her eyes wide in amazement. Then I know they’re interested.
“The world we live in is getting more and more scientific and the impact of science is massive on all our lives. People need to know the basics and the key is to make it fun and interesting. The two talks I’m giving, on absolute cold and the science of warfare, couldn’t be more different but are equally fascinating. A scientist can’t be interested in one thing and not another – the whole subject of science is enthralling.”
Laura Wilkie, Festivals and Community Engagement Manager at Dundee Science Centre, believes Fife Science Festival is for everyone: “It’s another cracking line-up of activities and events with the festival reaching into new areas of Fife such as Anstruther and Methil.”
Particular high spots for Laura include Cosmic Quest, the big Free Family Fun Day and the community events. “Science is a part of everyday life and I hope the Festival will inspire people to be interested in it and find out more.”
Meanwhile, Heather Stuart, Chief Executive Officer of Fife Cultural Trust, added: “Fife Science Festival is just part of our vision of making Fife a culturally vibrant and rewarding place to live, work or study.
“The festival aims to celebrate science and to make it fun and accessible. The programme provides creative, entertaining and learning experiences that offer families across the Kingdom the opportunity to get out there and join in the many fun and engaging experiments. I would urge everyone to embrace the festival, get involved and have some serious fun in the process.”