MEMBER NEWS: Aberdeen Science Centre heads to Blue Toon for community fun day

February 9, 2023
MEMBER NEWS: Aberdeen Science Centre heads to Blue Toon for community fun day

Aberdeen Science Centre is set to bring a variety of STEM experiments to the people of Peterhead at a community fun day at Balmoor Stadium this weekend.

In partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, ASCO, Peterhead Football Club and Storegga, the Peterhead Community Day will feature a variety of STEM-focused interactive experiments for all ages to enjoy.

The partnering organisations have developed activities that will educate and entertain attendees. Aberdeen Science Centre will bring several hands-on experiments centred around space exploration, robotics, fossils and slime to Peterhead FC’s home ground.

Independent early-stage decarbonisation project developer Storegga Limited and materials management company ASCO have designed interactive activities relating to carbon capture and storage, engineering and renewable energy to highlight the pathway to a career in STEM.

Storegga is lead developer of the Acorn Projects enabling the Scottish Cluster – a major national initiative to decarbonise Scottish industry by storing captured CO2 deep under the North Sea.

Sunday’s event has been funded by Aberdeenshire Council as part of its Regeneration Project, which aims to promote and attract new business and skilled professionals into local areas to boost the Aberdeenshire economy.
The Peterhead Community Day will be held at Peterhead FC’s Balmoor Stadium from 10am-4pm on Sunday, February 12. This event is free to attend with advanced booking recommended.

Vanessa Vazquez, community engagement co-ordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We can’t wait to bring some of our fantastic STEM activities to the people of Peterhead, and Balmoor Stadium is the ideal location.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our Peterhead Community Day, including Peterhead FC, Aberdeenshire Council, ASCO and Storegga. This is a free to attend event with plenty of science fun for all ages, so book your ticket now!”

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, Cllr Gillian Owen said: “This promises to be a fantastic free day out for people in Peterhead with activities that will not only entertain visitors but educate as well.

“Developing STEM skills is incredibly important in terms of our economic future and there are huge benefits in getting young people engaged with STEM from an early age.

“I’d encourage everyone to get along and get hands-on with the experiments and activities on offer.”

Recently awarded 5-star status by VisitScotland, Aberdeen Science Centre reopened to the public in November 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.

The centre’s exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and the dedicated area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are brought to life.

Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.

The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.

To find out more, and to register to attend the community day, please click here.

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