BORDERS SCIENCE FESTIVAL 1 - 31 MAY
2016
Guide to Events
www.liveborders.org.uk
WITH A PACKED programme full of fun, educational and creative events throughout the month of May, Borders Science Festival aims to inspire people of all ages to explore and celebrate the world of science. TO BOOK:
Unless specified please contact 01750 726400 E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk www.liveborders.org.uk
Borders Science Festival sponsors:
The Borders Science Festival is co-ordinated by Live Borders Libraries and Creative Learning Teams. In its fourth year the festival has grown from a purely schools-based programme to one that includes family and public events. Whilst we have taken every care in producing this brochure please refer to the website for up to date details regarding all our events. Border schools have their own programme of over 50 workshops and activities aimed at stimulating young minds. Please get in contact if you would like more information regarding our schools programme. Thank you to all our sponsors and partners. With their kind assistance the majority of the Borders Science Festival 2016 events are FREE.
BORDERS SCIENCE FESTIVAL Programme of Events EXHIBITION
Reflections: glass: water: art: science exhibition The Haining Selkirk TD7 5LR Saturday 30 April – Sunday 8 May The exhibition will showcase contemporary glass art developed as part of the Reflections Artist in Residency. A series of complementary events will also take place during the exhibition. Further details selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk
FAMILIES
Reflections: medieval construction show The Haining Selkirk TD7 5LR Monday 2 May 11am & 2pm Discover how medieval builders created amazing structures in this interactive show. Suitable for children 5+. Delivered by Historic Environment Scotland. Further details and booking selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk
TALK
Reflections: on glass The Haining Selkirk TD7 5LR Tuesday 3 May 5.45pm Inge Panneels, University of Sunderland, will reflect on the visual culture of glass: from
drinking glass to telescope and how artists have used it creatively. Followed with a slide talk by Sam Cornwell, from Kielder Observatory, photographer of the night sky. Further details and booking selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk
WALK
Tweed Forum walk
Natural flood management techniques Lake Wood Car Park 3 Miles N of Peebles on A703 Thursday 5 May 6.30 - 8.30pm Discover how river restoration and flood risk reduction go hand in hand on the Eddleston Water. Event led by Tweed Forum. Further details and booking 01896 849723 info@tweedforum.org
FILM
Reflections: glass: water: art: science short films The Haining Selkirk TD7 5LR Saturday 7 May 2pm A selection of short films from around the world on subjects including the science of glass, the skill of glass making, creative use of glass in space and design of water in architecture. Further details and booking selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk
DEMONSTRATION
Reflections: meet your maker lampworking The Haining Selkirk TD7 5LR Sunday 8 May 1 - 3pm Live demonstration of flame worked glass with Zoe Garner within the landscape of the Haining. In collaboration with Glass & Ceramics department, University of Sunderland and Craft Scotland, Meet your Maker programme. Further details and booking selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk
WALK
Tweed Forum walk
Effects of climate change on land use, people and wildlife Teviot Bridge Car Park, Kelso Wednesday 11 May 7 - 9pm Circular walk along the River Teviot and Tweed to explore future catchment scale land use opportunities, in response to changing weather patterns. Event led by Tweed Forum. Further details and booking 01896 849723 info@tweedforum.org
For further information and bookings E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk • www.liveborders.org.uk
THEATRE
John Muir: “Rhapsody in Green”
workshop is for you. Event led by Live Borders. Please contact jmcbay@liveborders.org.uk
Mike Maran Productions Bowhill Theatre TD7 5ET Wednesday 11 May 8pm A voyage with mesmeric storyteller Mike Maran that follows John Muir from California to Alaska. An emotional declaration of love for the wild that includes six imaginary dogs, five huskies and Stickeen a very small terrier of mixed ancestry. This event led by Bowhill. Ticket charge applies (optional pre theatre supper at 6.30pm £13) Booking required Please contact 01750 22204 info@bowhillhouse.co.uk
AUTHOR TALK
DEMONSTRATION
FAMILIES
Live Borders - cycling demonstration
Borders Science Festival – Harestanes Family Fun Day
TriFitness Netherdale Galashiels TD1 3EY Friday 13 May 2pm Live Borders Advanced Rider Development Squad will demonstrate how force generates power on Watt Bikes. Event led by Live Borders. Booking required Please contact jmcbay@liveborders.org.uk
WORKSHOP
Live Borders - energy drink workshop 3G Arena Netherdale Galashiels TD1 3EY Friday 13 May 6.45pm Are you interested in the content of energy drinks, the impact these have on your body and how to make a healthier alternative? Then this
“Friday 13th with Lin Anderson”
Forensics and Witchcraft – “The Special Dead” Peebles Library EH45 8AG Friday 13 May 7pm In ”The Special Dead”, forensic expert Dr. Rhona MacLeod’s skills are put to the test when she enters the world of witchcraft! Join Scottish crime writer Lin Anderson for this special Friday 13th event. Supported by Scottish Book Trust Live Literature Fund. Booking required
Harestanes TD8 6UQ Saturday 14 May 10am – 3pm A fantastic family fun day featuring:
• LoveScience fun sessions!
Join LoveScience and have a go at building an electric buggy, learn some magic science tricks, use some pretty cool smart inks and make some really gross slime! It might be messy and it might be noisy, but you’ll definitely have fun! Drop in sessions throughout the day.
• Circuits workshops
Create your very own light up robot or alien using a simple circuit and your imagination! 11am – noon, 1.30 - 2.30pm
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required
• Zoolab workshop
Creepy crawlies, critters and things that make you go EEK! 12.15 - 1.15pm Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required
• SB Rangers
Pond dipping and lots of other fun activities. Drop in sessions throughout the day.
DIGITAL DISCUSSION
Digital technology and kids Fujitsu Lab, Borders College TD1 3HE Monday 16 May 7.30pm Are children addicted to the digital world? How much technology is too much? Join us for a lively discussion on how parents can positively engage their children through digital technologies. This event is part of Digital Learning Week Scotland. Event led by Borders College. Booking required
TALK
Falls prevention and healthy bones Tweedbank Sports Complex Studio Tuesday 17 May 3.30pm – 5pm Are you concerned about your balance? Have you had a fall in the past? Then this talk is ideal for you. Join the Live Borders and NHS Borders Falls Prevention Team to learn about how to prevent falls and keep you bones healthy.
For further information and bookings E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk • www.liveborders.org.uk
This event is led by Live Borders. Booking required
ILLUSTRATED TALK
“Polar Stroke”
David Aston Peebles Library EH45 8AG Tuesday 17 May 7pm David talks about his epic trip to the Magnetic North Pole and the stroke he suffered years later. Using startling photographs from his trip, David will discuss how he uses things he learnt on his trip to combat his bigger problem. Books for sale at a special price. Booking required
AUTHOR TALK
Discover the science behind crime writing with Janet O’Kane Eyemouth Library TD14 5JE Tuesday 17 May 7pm Local author Janet O’Kane explains how she chooses ways to kill off her characters! Booking required
THEATRE
“The Particular Scientists” by Borders Youth Theatre
Adapted from the original by Carol Norris Galashiels Library TD1 3JQ Wednesday 18 May 2pm
Like any large family, the Particular Scientists have their problems, their ups and downs. Things work best when everyone has a job to do and does it well. We meet the family as Dad tries to keep everyone happy, and we learn a bit of science along the way. This event is led by Borders Youth Theatre. Presented by Primary 6 Pupils from Tweedbank Primary School.
AUTHOR TALK
Scotland’s DNA Alistair Moffat Duns Library Contact Centre TD11 3AU Thursday 19 May 7.15pm Renowned local writer, historian and journalist, Alistair Moffat, will talk about his ground breaking Scotland’s DNA project, which takes ancestry far beyond family trees by analysing the genetic make-up of Scottish men and women, with astounding results. Supported by Scottish Book Trust Live Literature Programme. Booking required DIGITAL DEMONSTRATION
Brainiapps Coldstream Library Contact Centre TD12 4AE Thursday 19 May 2 - 3.30pm Come along to our Mind Gym to find out about the various apps you can access on your tablet to keep your brain active and healthy. The apps are puzzles and games which can help improve your memory, speed up your thinking and sharpen reaction times. They are also great fun! We will have a selection of tablet devices and computers for use at the event - you will not be
able to use your own tablet. This event is part of Digital Learning Week Scotland. Booking required
DIGITAL DISCUSSION
Technology club start-ups Fujitsu Lab, Borders College TD1 3HE Thursday 19 May 4.15pm Are you interested in starting up a technology club at your school or youth group? Come along and hear how Clovenfords Primary School started their own with a little imagination, some help from Borders College and a few passionate parents. This event is part of Digital Learning Week Scotland. Event led by Borders College. Booking required
AUTHOR TALK
Alex Gray Forensic Research Hawick Library TD9 9QT Friday 20 May 2pm Melrose Library TD6 9PN Friday 20 May 6pm Join award winning Scottish crime fiction author Alex Gray as she discusses the psychology of crime writing. Alex will read excerpts from her bestselling series of books and she will talk about the forensic research these novels entailed. Supported by Scottish Book Trust Live Literature Programme. Booking required
For further information and bookings E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk • www.liveborders.org.uk
THEATRE
Wool from the Hills Cross Keys Hotel KELSO TD5 7HL Friday 20 May 7pm A powerful, amusing and moving evocation of a vanishing way of life in the Border Hills. Told through the words of the people who live there and featuring Borders poetry, prose photography and a lyrical musical soundtrack. Ticket charge applies For further details please see www.wellroadproductions.org.uk
FAMILIES
From sheep to jumper!
Science of Textiles tour Borders Textile Towerhouse 1 Tower Knowe Hawick TD9 9EN Saturday 21 May 10am - 12noon Come along to a free family fun session and find out about textiles that are made in the Scottish Borders. Explore the processes used to make a jumper, try your hand at different techniques such as weaving, knitting and felting. Learn how fibres combine and find the sheep in our sheep trail. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required. Contact Borders Textile Towerhouse on 01450 377615 or email TextileTowerhouse@liveborders1.org.uk
6 - 8pm recommended ages 5 – 10. years old (must be accompanied by an adult) It’s a great time to spot Saturn and Mars in the night sky. Explore the solar system from the sun to Pluto and maybe discover a bit about “planet 9”. 9 - 11pm recommended ages 10+. Discover more about our place in the universe, discover how to view the Aurora Borealis, exciting space weather and, if the clouds participate, telescope viewing. Led by Sam Cornwell, Art Director, Kielder Observatory. This event led by Wilton Lodge Park Regeneration Project.
FAMILIES
Build a bridge workshop
Booking required
Sponsored by R J McLeod Selkirk Library TD7 4LE Friday 27 May 1.30 - 3pm Fun with lollipop sticks and straws, build a bridge and take it home… Event led by R J McLeod. Booking required
FAMILIES
FAMILIES
Pond dipping at Lindean Loch
Borders Science Festival – Wilton Lodge Park Family Fun Day
Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service Lindean Loch Car Park, Selkirk TD7 4QN Meet at wooden platform at loch-side Sunday 22 May Turn up any time between 2pm and 4pm. Learn about the stickmen and the stonemen that live in the loch. All equipment provided. This event is led by SB Ranger Service. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult For further information contact 01835 826704
FAMILIES
ILLUSTRATED TALK
The sky at night
“Plagues, Pests and History”
Wilton Lodge Park Hawick TD9 7JL Meet at the bandstand Saturday 21 May
Isabel will discuss how it was often sickness within populations and armies which changed the course of history. Booking required
Illustrated talk by Isabel Gordon Kelso Library Contact Centre TD5 7JH Wednesday 25 May 2.30pm
Wilton Lodge Park Hawick TD9 7JL Saturday 28 May 10.30am - 3.30pm A fantastic family fun day featuring:
• Can’t dance Cameron 11am- noon Children ages 3-6. Cameron the Capercaillie is the worst dancer in the Scottish Cairngorms! Will he ever learn to groove like a Capercaillie? Join author Emily Dodd to find out about the animals that live in the Cairngorms, kick some football pinecones and learn a few funky dance moves on the way. With sounds, smells, science experiments, video footage of real live dancing capercaillies, music and a few surprises. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required
For further information and bookings E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk • www.liveborders.org.uk
• Circuits workshop 11am - noon, 12.15 - 1.15pm, 1.30 - 2.30pm Come along to one of our electronic circuits workshops and create your very own robot, alien or weird and wonderful creature! Have fun with a simple circuit, light bulb and your imagination! You’ll even get the chance to meet K-9! ‘Who’ would have thought it! Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required
• A beginner’s guide to life on earth
Gill Arbuthnott 1.30 - 2.30pm Life on earth comes in millions of different forms. Not just the cuddly ones, come and meet them in their scaly, slimy, squishy, prickly glory. Event supported by Scottish Book Trust Live Literature Funding. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required
• Fun shapes with George Connell Drop in workshops Come along and have some fun with amazing shapes! Have you ever made a Polyhydra before? Now’s your chance! Workshop leader George Connell will demonstrate how to use the symmetry of circles to create triangles, squares and hexagons – and use these to construct a series of 3D geometric models!
• Dynamic Earth – Destination Space Join the Dynamic Earth Team to explore the exciting world of human space flight through a series of exciting hands-on activities.
Perfect for budding astronauts and Tim Peake enthusiasts!
• Glasgow Science Centre The Glasgow Science Centre team will roam amongst the crowd and amaze you with exciting and interactive health and wellbeing demos. Become immersed in some fascinating science; measure your heart rate and grip strength and test your balance and co-ordination. With all these fun and active busking activities and more you can experiment, engage and enjoy learning about how your body works.
FAMILIES
Cool pools at the Bay!
Rock pooling with Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service Coldingham Bay near Eyemouth TD14 5PA Meet at the Lifeguards hut on Coldingham Sands Sunday 29 May 2 - 4pm Come and join the ranger down at Coldingham Sands for a spot of rockpooling. Always a fascinating activity for all ages – find out some weird facts about the shore creatures! This event is led by SBC Ranger Service. Under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian. For further information contact 01835 826704
FAMILIES
Bowhill Family Ranger Club Pond Life surveying Bowhill Ranger Service Bowhill TD7 5ET Sunday 29 May 1.30 - 3.30pm
A chance to take a closer look at life in the Bowhill loch, led by a Bowhill Ranger the session will increase identification skills and knowledge of the ecosystem in and around the loch, while also looking at systems for recording the findings. This event is led by Bowhill Rangers. Entry charges apply 01750 22204 or info@bowhillhouse.co.uk
Peebles’ First Space Shot! Peebles Venue, time and date - see website Pupils from Peebles High School are joining forces with Tweeddale Astronomical Society to launch a high altitude balloon and payload into the upper atmosphere! The on-board instruments will transmit images and data back to Earth. Join us for the public launch – please visit our website for time, date and venue. Track the project here: www.tweedastro.org.uk and www.facebook.com/peeblesastro
TALK
Renewable Energy – rural, island and small communities Allan Davidson, Managing Director of ACSEA Ltd. Venue, time and date – see website A presentation on the current status and developments in the renewable energy sector followed by an open debate regarding how the potential for increased localisation of power generation, distribution or storage might benefit rural, island and small communities – including some comparative material with communities in Japan.
For further information and bookings E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk • www.liveborders.org.uk
This guide provides an overview of festival activities, for further details please visit:
www.liveborders.org.uk
Borders Science Festival in partnership with:
TO BOOK:
Unless specified please contact 01750 726400 E: libraries@liveborders1.org.uk