As World Cup fever sweeps Scotland, Aberdeen Science Centre is launching a variety of new sports-themed activities to create unforgettable family experiences this summer.
The centre is exploring the science behind some of the top sports found across the globe as part of its new theme, which is running throughout June.
The Science of Sport theme will allow visitors to discover what it takes to be an athlete through a workshop with hands-on activities that explore topics such as strength, endurance and balance.
Other sports fun can be found around the centre this month, including a story session for younger visitors that looks at different types of sports and allows them to test how high balls used for different sports will bounce.
For a limited time only, the centre will also give its escape room experience a sporty makeover. Available during weekends in June and every day from July 3-19, groups of up to six will compete to score the winning goal in the World Cup Escape Room. Booking ahead is required for this activity.
Following the Science of Sport activities, the centre will launch its Super Science Show in time for the school summer holidays, which is set to explore the real-life science involved with some of fiction’s greatest superheroes.
The activities, which will be available at the centre throughout July and August, will delve into the world of superpowers through a fun and exciting live science demonstration show, complete with flashes, lights, lasers and a few special surprises.
Lynda McConnach, public and digital programme co-ordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “At Aberdeen Science Centre, we want to create lasting memories for our visitors, and we have created a packed programme of events to ensure every visit feels different this summer.
“From exploring what allows athletes to stay at the top of their game to discovering how the powers of fictional heroes could work, we will make sure that everyone who steps through our doors has a super time!”
Alongside the sports and superhero fun, the centre is hosting a variety of other activities throughout the summer holidays.
This includes its Time Machine virtual reality (VR) experience, running throughout June and July, which will allow visitors to step through time and travel to the Roman Colosseum, watch the Olympics in Ancient Greece, walk with dinosaurs or discover more about the evolution of the human race.
The centre is also collaborating with local artists to deliver a series of workshops in July and August, in which visitors of all ages can take part in creative processes related to textile and fashion design. The Fashion the Future project is delivered in partnership with Robert Gordon University's Gray's School of Art and funded with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
A special Marine Club will run at the centre from July 20-23, funded by Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea. In the club, participants will dive into the world of marine biology where they will explore ocean layers, marine life and take part in field work by collecting and analysing samples from Aberdeen beach.
Attendance at the Marine Club costs £20 per person for the four-block series, but costs will be reimbursed. Booking ahead is essential for this activity.
Vattenfall is also sponsoring 10 workshops on July 18-19 focused on the science behind offshore wind. These sessions are free-to-attend but booking in advance is required. Participants will then be given a 20% discount to explore the centre for the remainder of the day.
This will then be followed by an evening of Cookbook Chemistry on August 7, funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Lynda continued: “The summer holidays are a time for families to have fun together, and just because the schools will soon be closed, it doesn't mean you can’t discover something new. With such a wide variety of activities alongside our exhibits and science demonstrations, there will always be something for every member of the family to enjoy at Aberdeen Science Centre.”
To find out more and book a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre this summer, visit https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/