This Easter the Science Festival is back in Edinburgh with events, activities and workshops for all ages, giving you the chance to get hands-on with science. From 9-22 April, you can discover the world’s natural wonder, stake out a computer-generated monster and delve into the workings of the human body at inspiring venues across Edinburgh.

All seven floors of the festival’s flagship family venue, City Art Centre, will be packed with interactive activities and drop-in events. From magical storytelling for your youngest explorers to robot-building workshops for the computer programmers of the future, you’ll find something for everyone.

This year is the International Year of Chemistry, and to celebrate the Science Festival have designed a brand new event – Atomise. Taking place in the John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Atomise is alive with experiments, demonstrating the amazing results of chemistry in action. Featuring hands-on, make and take workshops, shows, exhibitions and demonstrations, Atomise is a day out full of fizz and fascination.

There are spectacular workshops at Edinburgh Zoo; interactive events at the National Museums and Adam House and a brand new partnership with the Scottish Storytelling Centre, all part of a programme offering diverse interpretations of science for families and adults.

Browse and book events online now at www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the box office on 0131 553 0322. You can download a programme from the website or request a copy by emailing your details to marketing@scifest.co.uk.

The search is on for Scotland’s best young scientists and engineers, as school pupils gear up to showcase their scientific innovations and creations at The Big Bang Scotland.  The one-day Fair, heading to the Fair City for the first time, will highlight an impressive array of innovations, inventions and investigations underpinned by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), all vying for a range of prestigious awards.

http://www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/

Following the success of Scotland’s first ever Big Bang last year in Dundee, the event will be held at Perth Concert Hall and the neighbouring Perth Museum and Art Gallery on Monday 13 June 2011.

The national contest is open to pupils aged 11 to 18 throughout Scotland, including those in youth groups such as Scouts, Girl Guides and so on. Pupils can choose to work individually or in teams.  Last year, the event attracted nearly 250 entrants from over 30 schools, some of whom required to spend up to 80 hours on their projects.  The event will also be open to visiting schools and other interested parties. A host of exciting workshops and shows will be on offer to illustrate the fun, excitement and relevance of science, with details being released in the weeks ahead.

The Big Bang Scotland is one of 11 Big Bang Fairs taking place across the UK this year.  The Big Bang Scotland is being organised by TechFest-SetPoint and funded by the Scottish Government, British Science Association, Young Engineers, Tomorrow’s Engineers and The Big Bang Education CIC. TechFest-SetPoint is an educational charity which promotes interest in STEM subjects to young people in the hope of inspiring them to become the scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and skilled employees of the future.

The Big Bang Scotland event incorporates the CREST Awards and Young Engineer for Britain regional competitions.
The online registration process is now underway. Schools with an interest in taking part or visiting on the day should visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk <http://www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/> or www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/scotland <http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/scotland> as soon as possible and, in any case, by 31 March 2011.

Alternatively, schools can contact Jennifer Young directly – telephone 1382 308571 or email j.young@abertay.ac.uk <mailto:j.young@abertay.ac.uk>