You won’t need a sleeping bag, and there probably won’t be any pillow fights – but there will be plenty of fun activities and competitions at Aberdeen Science Centre’s (ASC) first ever Big STEM Sleepover.
The free event, which takes place during British Science Week 2021, will run from 11am on Saturday March 13, until 11am on Sunday March 14, and will include hourly activities (with a break for bedtime) for children aged 6-12 years old. With parental support the activities will also be suitable for younger children.
The aim of the event is to help families and groups participate in a range of fun and educational STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) activities that can be carried out in their own homes.
Each activity will be introduced by an ASC staff member via pre-recorded and live videos and exclusive activity sheets. Participants will be advised prior to the event about any materials they’ll need to take part. Most of these will be items they may already have or will be available in local shops.
Elaine Holland, head of operations at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “The team at ASC always looks forward to British Science Week, and although we can’t be in our new look centre this year, we still wanted to organise something fun for children and families to enjoy at home.
“The Big STEM Sleepover is the first time we have organised an overnight extravaganza of STEM activities that we hope will inspire a lifelong interest in science. The only problem might be getting the kids to put the experiments down and head to bed!”
The packed scheduled includes cereal construction, creating out of this world dinners, designing your own kite and taking on your family in creative competitions.
The virtual event is sponsored by Digital Futures partner, Equinor, which supports the centre in its STEM and digital transformation education. The energy company is passionate about engaging young people in coding, programming and virtual reality and supporting early development of these critical skills.
Arne Gürtner, senior vice president UK and Ireland offshore at Equinor, said: “Aberdeen Science Centre is leading the way, engaging in new ways digitally with young minds.
“Together with ASC, we are actively seeking opportunities to reinforce the role of science and technology in the energy transition, and to encourage young people to consider the vast contribution they can make in the years ahead.”
The event will be delivered via a private Facebook page. To sign up please visit the Aberdeen Science Centre website to complete a sign up and consent form – registration is open until March 7th 2021. Following registration, participants will be provided with details on how to join the private Facebook group. Anyone without Facebook who would like to take part should contact Aberdeen Science Centre directly. Prior to the event the attendees will be provided with a materials list so they are able to take part in every activity.