24 February 2009

Sharing science at Sensation

Leading researchers from across Scotland will guide family audiences into the fascinating world of science at Sensation Science Centre in Dundee this weekend.

Researchers from the Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh and the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban will be at Sensation on Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March to offer a weekend of scientific treats.

'Sharing Science' is an event aimed at families and anyone with an interest in science and offers the chance to get hands-on with some of the leading research taking place in Scotland. The event will use fascinating models and displays to offer the chance to:

• Find out what your DNA looks like and take it home with you!
• Investigate what’s hiding at the bottom of our microscopes
• Learn how lasers work and carry out fun experiments like a real scientist
• Discover more about climate change and find out how scientists plan to stop it by storing carbon dioxide underground.

Dr Jon Urch from the University of Dundee and Sensation, one of the event organisers commented, 'This is a fantastic chance to get to talk to local scientists and find out more about the research going on all around us. Some of the leading science researchers in the country will present their work to families using interactive displays and exhibits they have developed themselves'.

Dr Urch continued, 'This is a great way for young people to get involved with science and find out more about how science affects our everyday lives. It will be educational, illuminating and, most of all, fun!'

This event is being co-ordinated by the Revealing Research unit at the University of Dundee and has been funded by a Science Engagement Grant from the Scottish Government.

This is a unique opportunity to come and meet 'real life' scientists and learn more about the exciting work they do. All the usual Sensation exhibits including Mindball will be available. Sensation's opening hours are 10am -5pm everyday and both the Sharing Science event and Mindball are free with the normal price of admission.

For more information please visit http://www.sensation.org.uk.

CONTACT:
SENSATION - Alan Martin, (Tel: 868604 E-mail: alan.martin@sensation.org.uk).

UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE - Roddy Isles, Head of Press
(Tel: 01382 384910, e-mail: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk) or alternatively contact Dr Jon Urch, Head of Revealing Research on 01382 386669, email(J.Urch@dundee.ac.uk).

• Admission prices are £6.95 for adults, £4.95 for children.
• Sensation is open until 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm.
• Average visit time 2 - 3 hours.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk