Music, Teddy Bears and movies – busy Science Week in the Midlands
Science Week celebrates 30 years this year and the Midlands Science Festival, supported by Research Ireland, has something for everyone in the midlands this November.
Taking place during the second week of November, this year's activities in the midlands will include a range of activities and workshops for young people and the general public with a focus on the important role which science plays in all of our lives.
Highlights include the much-loved science and music concert “Sing Up For Science” with Bohemian Strings and Dr Claire O’Connell in Longford, a day of movies and workshops exploring environmental issues with ecologist and educator Tasmeen Kahn in Mullingar and the ever-popular Discovery Day in Tullamore, in association with Integra.
Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran commented: “Science Week is an extraordinary opportunity for people of all ages to engage with science in many different ways. In the midlands, Midlands Science supported by Research Ireland provides a wide-ranging programme for Science Week every year and there are many great events happening in the region.”
For the first time, Midlands Science is delighted to welcome the Teddy Bears Hospital to the midlands where the hospital will be setting up in Athlone!
So if you have a bear that needs a check-up or even some stitches, they are welcome at the Midlands Science Festival. This event introduces children to healthcare in a fun and friendly way, helping to ease any worries they may have surrounding the hospital environment. Through a number of stations such as the emergency station, phlebotomy, or pharmacy, every teddy bear brought along will receive a wide range of care and a fun experience through the hospital.
The event is suitable for children aged 2 and up, and they are welcome to bring any teddy bear that needs a short hospital visit.
Attendance is free of charge, but donations are welcome, with all proceeds going to Oscar’s Kids Ireland, this year’s chosen charity by the RCSI Paediatrics Society who run the Teddy Bears Hospital.
Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science, commented: “We provide science outreach to a wide range of groups across the midlands all year round but Science Week is always special to us as it’s a chance for the general public to see what we do in a fun and engaging way. This year it’s a chance to experience everything from award-winning movies to teddy bears getting a check up, it’s all about celebrating science and human curiosity. The theme for Science Week this year is “Then, Today, Tomorrow” which encourages us all to consider the changes that science has brought to our lives and of course to consider what the future might bring.”
Events take place across the midlands in various locations, and the programme will be available online from October and full details can be found on www.midlandsscience.ie and its social media and Eventbrite page.