Science Week takes place from November 10th and includes a wide range of activities facilitated by Midlands Science in Laois, Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath. Over the course of a week, a variety of free events will take place in schools and communities for people of all ages. Midlands Science Week provides a diverse range of activities, including astronomy, zoology, cold water swimming, and even understanding cats.
Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science, believes science is not only good for the economy but good for our health and well-being. “This year we are delighted as part of our science week programming to bring a range of activities to schools, groups, and communities. It’s great to welcome back Ice Swimming Guinness World Record Holder, Nuala Moore and new speakers such as Gerry Creighton of the TV series The Zoo and Dr. Clare Meade of The Cat Hospital.”
Sing up for Science in Laois
Have you ever wondered why we all love music so much, what happens in our brain when we listen to music, and how we can use music to help us when we are feeling stressed? MC Claire O’Connell, a science communicator and music fan, will explore the science of music with the Bohemian Strings, who will perform classic hits from the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Depeche Mode, the score from the movie ‘The Mission’ and a number of classical favourites. Bohemian Strings have performed with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Mick Flannery, Richard Clayderman, and many more.
You’ll be tapping your feet and singing up for science.
A Swift Evening In Mullingar
Where is one of the best places to see swifts in Ireland? How fast and how far do they fly? What do their eggs and natural nests look like? Geraldine Breen from the National Museum of Ireland—Natural History welcomes swift beginners and enthusiasts and covers an introduction to the species and how we can help them, as well as providing a peek behind the scenes into the swift collections held by the Museum. The event will also include prizes for primary school drawings and local community groups who are involved in biodiversity actions that benefit swifts and other wildlife.
Cold Water Swimming, Westmeath
Featuring renowned Irish swimmer Nuala Moore, who will talk about her amazing swimming journey that brought her from Dingle to the Bering Strait. With two Guinness World Records under her belt, Nuala has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cold water swimming and the extremes the human body is capable of.
Location: Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2024, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Book here Cold Water Swimming
TikTok Creative Labs in Portlaoise
TikTok STEM Creative Labs in partnership with Midlands Science, is bringing STEM content creation to the heart of the Midlands. Join some of Ireland’s most popular TikTok creators as we film STEM experiments in our bespoke TikTok studios in Portlaoise. To empower continued discovery on TikTok, there is also a new STEM feed – creating a dedicated space to explore a wide range of inspiring, entertaining, and enriching videos related to science, technology, engineering, and maths. Whether encouraging aspiring scientists to work out experiments in comments sections or helping a new programmer learn to code, the STEM feed provides a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment.
Location: Portlaoise
Date: Fri, 8th Nov 2024, 10:00am – 2:30pm
Invitation Only
Menopause, Science and Me, Westmeath
Science and understanding of menopause has advanced hugely. Journalist Dr Claire O’Connell will host a unique in-conversation event with leading menopause expert Dr Deirdre Forde of Ceile Medical, Athlone, which is the first dedicated Menopause Clinic in the Midlands. Dr Forde is an expert in menopause health and a leading advocate in helping every woman become empowered through their menopause journey.
Talk to the Paw in Tullamore. The Science of Cats
Cats big and small are endlessly fascinating, whether it’s the lions and tigers who roam in Africa and India or the tabby cats who are in our house. Expert speakers include the star of the RTE Series ‘The Cat Hospital’ Dr. Clare Meade, and Gerry Creighton formerly of Dublin Zoo and member of the RTE Series ‘The Zoo’. They will relay stories about their experiences with cats, big and it’s guaranteed you’ll never look at the little lion in your living room the same way again.
Look up for Science—an Evening of Astronomy in Lough Boora
Join Midlands Science and Midlands Astronomy Club for a unique night-time event in Lough Boora Discovery Park exploring the night’s sky using powerful tools and telescopes. Before going outside to explore the night sky, a short talk will explain some key points in the science of astronomy. All age groups are welcome, and there will be some hot drinks and snacks on us!
The event includes a discussion with Prof. John Eliott of the SETI Post Detection Hub, which is based at St Andrew’s University, Scotland. SETI is the search for extra-terristrial life and the post detection hub is the organisation responsible for developing how society will respond when we are told at some point in the future that there are other life forms out there in the universe. Many scientists believe this will happen in our lifetime. Come along and discuss the science and science fiction with a person who is working on this issue.
Location – Teach Lea Community Centre. Lough Boora, Blueball, Offaly
Date – Thu, 14 Nov 2024 7pm to 9pm
Book here – Look up for Science
Rocket Making Workshop, Offaly
Discover how rockets use Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion to get to their destination by launching one yourself. STEM Communicator Seanie Morris will demonstrate how rockets work, which fuels make the best rocket fuel and use chemistry to launch your own sample rocket. It’s so easy that you can do it at home and Seanie will show you how. These workshops will rotate in 25 minute slots throughout the day, limited numbers per workshops according to the available space, so don’t hesitate to book your place!
Location – Mucklagh Community Centre
Date – Sunday, Nov 10th · 10 – 10:30am
Book here – Rocket making
Get up close to snakes, tarantulas and more at the Reptile Zoo, Offaly
There are plenty of events taking place in the Muckagh Community Centre on Sunday, November 10th, including the Reptile Zoo. In this unique workshop, which is a chance to get up close and personal with tortoises, snakes, tarantulas and much more. Who knows, you may even meet Elvis, the albino python.
Space and Science with Dr Niamh Shaw in Longford
This invitation-only event at St. Mel’s College, Longford, will provide hundreds of students with the opportunity to learn all about the excitement and curiosity at the heart of science with Dr Niamh Shaw. Explorer and space enthusiast Dr Niamh Shaw will give a series of workshops to secondary school students. Incorporating her travels from Antarctica to NASA, Niamh’s boundless enthusiasm for all things scientific makes her a powerful advocate for the curiosity that lies at the heart of science.
Location – St. Mels Cathedral, Longford
Date – Nov 13th, 10am to 3pm
Invitation Only
Midlands Science Week
The Midlands Science Festival is part of National Science Week and programming in the Midlands is funded by the Taighde Éireann/ Research Ireland Discover Programme. Science Week takes place from the 10th to the 17th of November 2024 and explores the theme of Regeneration. Events are all free of charge but must be booked in advance – full details are available on www.midlandsscience.ie
