Once again we round up the latest upcoming events with a science theme… If you have an event you’d like us to share, just email the details to podcast@scibernia.ie.

 

On Saturday the 14th of April, the Natural History Museum will have an open day explaining what exactly it is they do (apart from display wonderful specimens of Ireland’s natural heritage).  From scientists to modelmakers, there will be explanations of how various people use the museum’s resources.  This is a free all-day event, so drop in at any time during the day.  Visit museum.ie for details.

 

Dublin Skeptics in the Pub will be having a social evening on Saturday 14th of April from 6pm in the Blacksheep pub on Capel St.  As well as enjoying craft beers, you can meet up with other skeptics in Dublin to discuss all things skeptical.  They have a Facebook group where you can also find out more about their regular talks and events.

 

On Monday the 16th of April, Astronomy Ireland will host a lecture by Professor Michael Merrifield.  He will discuss the evolution of telescopes and the new developments needed for the 21st century.  The lecture will start at 8pm in Trinity College, and will cost €7.  For further details and to book, visit astronomy.ie.

 

The All-Ireland Final of the Debating Science Issues will be held in the RCSI on Thursday the 19th of April. The semi-finals will be held that morning, with all four province champions competing, and the winners going into the final in the afternoon.  The competition promotes scientific awareness in secondary schools through debates on topical issues such as GM-foods and stem cells in research.  Having been on the judging panel for one of the Leinster semi-finals, I can say that you’ll be well impressed by the level of understanding and challenging ideas these students have.  My fellow Scibernaut Sylvia will be one of the judges on the big day.  If you have an interest in being in the audience for the debates, please RSVP to Danielle Nicholson (danielle dot nicholson at nuigalway dot ie) by the 13th of April. For more information visit debatingscienceissues.com.

 

On the weekend of the 20th to the 22nd of April, the Irish Science Teachers’ Association are having their 50th annual conference in Trinity College.  The Sunday sessions are open to the public and include Aidan Moran talking on improving memory (at 11am) and Humphrey Jones of the Frog Blog talking about science apps for education (at 12pm).  For details visit www.ista.ie.  Remember, teachers can register for the Saturday events and also to join the organisation at the same address.

 

On Saturday 21st of April, the Wexford Naturalists Club will host a field trip to look for water beetles and wetland insects in kettle holes near Curracloe, Co. Wexford. Meet at 2pm in the car park at Hotel Curracloe. And remember, wellington-boots are essential!  For more of the clubs events, visit wexfordnaturalists.com.

 

At 6pm on Tuesday April 24th, head along to the Royal Irish Academy, where Dr. Andy Wheeler will discuss the outcomes of the Celtic Explorer‘s ground-breaking discoveries.  Using the remote controlled submersible, Holland I, the mission discovered new volcanic vents in the Atlantic along with a host of interesting creatures that live around them.   Film footage from the expedition will be included in the National Geographic series “Alien Deep”.  To book your place at the lecture, visit ria.ie.

 

Are you sad bout the Science Gallery‘s Edible show finishing? Cheer yourself up by heading along to the preview party for Happy on Thursday the 26th of April from 6pm. The event is open to Members+ members but that’s okay, because you can sign up to be a Member+ on the website! Visit sciencegallery.com for the details.

 

From Saturday the 28th of April, The Drawing Workshop in conjunction with The Botanic Gardens will present a series of art/science workshops.  The workshop aims to foster creative fusion of art and science by exploring the garden’s biodiversity.  The event starts at 11am and has a cost of €25.  Visit thedrawingworkshop.org for the details.

 

Finally, do you have young people who’ll need entertaining over the summer? Now’s the time to start booking for sciencey summer camps!

The National Aquarium in Salthill is taking bookings for their summer camps now.  Aimed at children aged between 8 and 12, each camp runs in the morning for a week at a cost of €99.  You can find out more and book at nationalaquarium.ie.

And the Blackrock Castle Observatory is also running summer camps for 8 to 12 year olds on the theme of space. There is a choice of morning or afternoon sessions, and the week will cost €95 per child. For details and booking, visit bco.ie.