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Programme - The 2011 Caithness International Science Festival

Science in the Antarctic – by Dr Alison McLure
The Antarctic is a remarkable continent - remote, ostile and uninhabited. Yet it is of key importance to our understanding of how the world works. For the early explorers Antarctica was the ultimate survival contest. For scientists it remains a place of intellectual challenge. Find out what kind of science is carried out in the Antarctic. Meet a physicist and meteorologist and find out how a physics degree took her to Antarctica and what life there was like. Read more...

Galileo’s Greatest Mistake – by James Soper
Even the world’s greatest scientist can make mistakes when he forgets the importance of accurate experimentation. A show with a difference. Not only will you find out about the composition of the air, its weight, air pressure, the effects of a vacuum and the secrets of lighter and heavier than air flight they will also discover how to become better scientists through rigorous experimentation. Read more...

Kid K’nex Engineering – by TechFest
This workshop is designed to introduce children to the fascinating world of engineering design. Kid K'Nex allows younger children to develop their construction skills and build up their creative confidence. Working in pairs, pupils are guided and encouraged to let their imaginations run free and produce their own unique model. Read more...

Pollution Detectives by TechFest
It’s a mystery why fish are dying in a local river. Pollution is suspected but where is it coming from? Pupils will become ‘Science Detectives’ as they conduct a series of chemical reaction tests to deduce the source of pollution in this absorbing introduction to the fascinating world of chemistry and environmental science. Read more...

Morayfirth Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
WDCS will provide an interactive PowerPoint presentation to teach children about the cetaceans of Scotland, the work of WDCS and show how children and their families can get involved in marine conservation. O bring the talk alive, WDCS brings skulls, baleen and teeth for children to hold and touch, play recordings of dolphin communication and give the children an opportunity to unfold life-size cut outs of dolphins. Read more...

The Victorian Industrialist – by Livewire Productions
Dr. James ‘Paraffin’ Young presents an enlightened class on fuels and hydrocarbons. He inspires students of the modern age with his in depth knowledge of the geology and formation of oil, the modern petrochemical industry and its relevance to the modern curriculum. Dr Young’s talk is coloured by his personal memories of his early life, David Livingstone, his adventures, hobbies and Durris House, Aberdeenshire, one of his favourite holiday homes. His presentation gives an insight into Victorian life and a taste of simple chemistry as well as touching on modern day problems such as pollution, conservation of finite resources and waste disposal. Read more...

 

Mr Bug – also known as Matt Lewis
In a typical 60 minute session pupils have the chance to hold giant cockroaches and snails, stroke a lizard and a python, and see a tarantula and scorpion at close-quarters.  They hear about the animals' biology and lives in the wild - in a safe, fun and memorable format. Read more...

Ready, Teddy, Go! – by Generation Science
The teddy bears' team is coming to your school. Investigate the relationship between forces and movement in a series of fun and engaging activities. How can teddy's car move faster and further? Who will win a contest between push and pull? Read more...

The Cosy Cosy Game Show by Generation Science
The Cosy Cosy Game Show is a daytime TV-style show all about insulation and saving energy in the home. Warmly presented by your friendly hosts, Toasty Tim and Thermal Thelma, the show encourages pupils to try out different energy-saving initiatives, and turns the issue of domestic energy-use into an exciting challenge. Read more about Edinburg International Sccience Festival on their web site. Read more...

Extra Electricity by Pat Duchart, Shell Education Services
This workshop gives children an opportunity to investigate different electrical circuits (including the use of different components) using solar cells in lieu of batteries. Read more...

A Nuclear Power Renaissance? – by Prof. Robin Grimes
This presentation will review the generic operation of a power reactor, discuss the designs of reactors that have been built and a little of the theory behind reactor operation. The behaviour and evolution of nuclear fuel will also be considered as a way to understand the immense challenges faced in preparing materials for future reactors. The efficiency and effectiveness with which the uranium resources are used to generate power is crucial if this new nuclear renaissance is to be sustainable. Read more...

Learning to Live with Our Defects – by Prof. Robin Grimes
The Late Prof. F. C. Frank once said that crystals are like people, it is their imperfections that make them interesting. During the lecture demonstrations are used to help explore the world of crystal imperfections. Some defects will actually be visible. Others will be understood in terms of analogies. Historically, such demonstrations have played an important role in advancing our understanding of defect motion and stability. More recently the key to investigating defects has been to combine atomic scale computer simulation with experimental data. For all of us the aim remains the same: to develop new material with enhanced or even new properties. Read more...