Science Week Activities in Offaly
There’s something for everyone in Offaly this year for Science Week from November 10 to 17, with Midlands Science exploring everything from astronomy to zoology.
Midlands Science CEO Jackie Gorman commented; “Events in Offaly include a family Discovery Day to astronomy nights in Lough Boora to gardening, aliens and cats.
“We have something to appeal to all age groups and interests. Even if you think you aren’t interested in science, if you come along you’ll find out you might actually be and you could learn something that will benefit you. Whether it’s how to garden in a way to help biodiversity to caring for your cat to exploring the night’s sky, science can help with that”
This year’s Discovery Day on Sunday, November 10, is presented in association with Integra Life Sciences and includes everything from astronomy to zoology. Individual activities must be booked in advance and include rocket making workshops, shows with Simon Watt and W5, Belfast’s award-winning science museum and the Reptile Zoo.
Other activities during the week include two nights of astronomy at Lough Boora with Midlands Astronomy Club and on the Thursday night, November 14, the event will include special guest Prof John Eliot. Prof Eliot works at the SETI Post Detection Hub and is part of a team of scientists working to develop plans for how humanity will respond when scientists announce they have found evidence of other life in the universe.
Cat lovers are in for a treat with a special event on Friday, November 15, exploring the science of cats big and small. From tigers to tabby cats, cats are endlessly fascinating and Midlands Science is delighted to welcome two cat experts to Offaly for this event.
Gerry Creighton was a keeper with Dublin Zoo for his entire career working with a wide variety of animals including lions and tigers. He will be known to many for his best-selling book 'Raised by the Zoo' and his appearances on the RTE TV series 'The Zoo'. He will talk about looking after big cats and will be joined by Dr Clare Meade of the Cat Hospital who runs a vet practice in Cork which caters only for cats. She will be known to many for her regular media appearances and also as the star of the RTE TV show 'The Cat Hospital'.
The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Research Ireland and is part of a national network of festivals during Science which encourage people of all ages to engage with science.
All events are free but must be booked in advance on www.midlandsscience.ie