Educational Edinburgh: The International Science Festival
Science has long been recognised as a subject offering more than just theoretical study. Today's science subjects are diverse and action packed, with interactive experiments and play used in schools from primary right the way through to secondary levels. Schools, of course, can only offer so much. But there are many other science-based activities accessible at a number of different venues and events all across the country throughout the year.
One of the driving forces behind fun-filled science education is the International Science Festival taking place in Edinburgh between the 30th March and the 15th April this year. An educational charity, this festival is establishing itself as a major science event and provides a great opportunity for parents and children alike to learn and explore a wide range of scientific topics.
Staying in any one of the comfortable and well-equipped local Edinburgh hotels, families can take their time enjoying innovative activities and explosive experiments and events, all while enjoying the numerous visual and interactive displays. Whether you are travelling to the Festival from a central location or accommodation further out from the city, Edinburgh hotels provide the perfect base for families aiming to attend it over a number of different days.
Family-Friendly Adventures in the Lab
Designed to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, the festival programme is diverse and celebrates the wonders of the world in which we live from a wide range of different perspectives. You could go to Invisible Worlds, a series of photographs that uniquely capture the very large and the tiny or get an insight into the world of Derren Brown.
Of course, this festival is a scientific feast for the whole family and is not to be missed by lab-coat hopefuls. Some of the key child-friendly events on offer this spring include the Madlab and Madbot Robot Workshops, a series of interactive electronics workshops designed to give both children and adults hands-on experience of science at its most colourful.
Kits designed especially for the Lab are provided to give visitors the chance to take part in the creation of a number of different objects, from flashing lights to intelligent robots capable of navigating a maze. Featured on 'Blue Peter' as well as 'Newsround', this is a popular part of the festival programme and an opportunity not to be missed!
Live Demonstrations
In addition to organised hands-on experiments, families can also enjoy a varied choice of speakers, performances and creative dialogues all based on scientific discovery and innovation. Scientists walk the stage among comedians, dancers and psychologists, while the local Art Centre morphs into an exciting science playground ready and waiting for the keen and intrepid explorer.
With physical activities aplenty, families of all ages will enjoy additional educational events this year, including the BBC's Bang Goes the Theory live shows. Further intrigue and interest is offered down at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, with science explorations revealed through story telling.
Book Early
With all this and so much more on offer, you'll need as much time as you can get to make the most of this exciting and unique festival. However, to make things as easy and simple as possible don't forget to book your festival tickets and your pick of Edinburgh hotels in advance so you and your family can spend even more time planning where and what you want to see and do.
About the author
Francesca is an aspiring writer who loves to share her knowledge about her favourite British cities and towns. She has a passion for travel and has explored much of Europe, but hopes to someday travel around the USA. She currently writes on behalf of Lodging World.