Celebrate the start of summer with a weekend full of fun! Come and immerse yourself in Spectacular Science across all topics with many extra activities for the whole family. Keep checking the website for further details but below is a list of confirmed activities and external exhibitors:
We are also being joined by external exhibitors who will offer activities alongside our own spectacular science exhibits and exhibitions. All in all there will be plenty of activities to inspire and excite you. See below for the external exhibitors who have confirmed that they will be joining us.
All this extra science is FREE when you purchase admission into The Observatory Science Centre. You can book on the general admission page, just scroll down to the 22 & 23 June dates to book.
Content of the weekend may be subject to change.
Walrus are facing the reality of the climate crisis in the Arctic. We need to better understand them in order to help safeguard them into the future.
Rod Downie (Chief Polar Advisor at WWF) will introduce the Walrus from Space Project. WWF and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are inviting the public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and help contribute to conservation science by searching for walrus in thousands of satellite images taken from space.
Over 6 years, the project, which is in cooperation with scientists around the Arctic, aims to carry out a population census of Atlantic walrus in the Canadian, Norwegian and Greenland arctic using satellite imagery and explore what might happen to them in the context of rapid climate change.This will help scientists to better understand the impact of climate change on populations of this iconic species and help safeguard their future.
About Rod (see photos below)
Rod is WWF’s Chief Advisor, Polar. He has worked in the polar regions for about 25 years, initially at the British Antarctic Survey and for the last 11 years with WWF.
Rod has undertaken 15 field seasons in Antarctica, where he spent a total of 2 ½ years living and working on the ice. He has also worked in the Canadian, Russian and Norwegian Arctic. He leads a wide portfolio of science and conservation projects ranging from krill and humpback whales to polar bears and ‘Walrus from Space’.
Rod serves as an advisor to the UK Government at the Antarctic Treaty, as well as sitting on numerous scientific and technical advisory bodies. He facilitated Arctic Voices, a series of dialogues between the UK Governments and indigenous Arctic leaders. He also represents WWF at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), most recently at COP26 in Glasgow.
The illustrated periodic table 'Picture the Elements' is a light introduction to chemistry. Come and find out which poison ladies used to put on their face in the 19th centrury and what element is named after the god of thunder and lightning. There will be a quiz to challenge your knowledge and an opportunity to play the new board game Element Bingo.
Walrus from Space project.
Walrus are under threat from a warming climate. Now you can help. Become a Walrus Detective!
SWT manage over 30 nature reserves across Sussex that people can explore and enjoy. They act to protect the wildlife and the natural environment across Sussex and create opportunities for people of all ages to learn about nature and connect with it. They inspire people through events, publications and courses to care for nature. They conduct research that supports the conservation of nature in Sussex and engage with policy makers and other organisations to encourage positive change.
https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/
The James Webb Space Telescope (the NASA/ESA £10bn successor to the Hubble Space Telescope) was launched on Christmas Day 2021, and over the next few decades it will be used by astronomers around the world - including astronomers here at Sussex. The University has constructed a model of the Webb Space Telescope which, together with a thermal camera & large screen TV, will be on display at the science festival.
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/outreach/public/jwst
Ovesco is based in Lewes and was founded to locally promote renewable energy and lower carbon footprints. We have installed community financed solar panels on 14 buildings, mainly schools. We provide free energy advice to members of the public and attend educational events. Ovesco will have an array of fantastic activities including a bicycle generator; solar powered buggies; hydrogen fuel cell cars; hydropower generator; wind turbines and more!
SATURDAY ONLY (at the moment!)
Draw colourful geometric flower patterns onto art paper, using Bicycle Spirograph drawing machines made from old bike parts by Brighton science-artist Nick Sayers. Inspired by classic children’s toy Spirograph and Heath Robinson’s quirky contraptions, this art activity will boggle your eyes and twist your brain. Drawings on art paper £4, or try drawing patterns for free using bicycle sprockets and laser-cut wheels.
SUNDAY ONLY
Our Plastic Free Community is part of Surfers Against Sewage and together we can create a future where single use plastics are reduced and finally eliminated. We are committed to celebrating a positive impact in Eastbourne and being part of a larger movement will enable us to make a huge difference to protect our planet.
https://www.plasticfreeeastbourne.co.uk/index.html
