Falkirk Science Festival is returning for its fourth year from the 4^th May – 19^th May 2024. We have a number of events and strands that we are looking for new content for. If you have bedazzled Edinburgh, enlightened Aberdeen and stunned Manchester with your science communication and still have time to share your discoveries with the world, then it’s time to come to Falkirk. Last year our Science Festival attracted an audience of 5,000.

We’re looking for content for a range of science events, from talks inside a Kelpie to walks in a park, workshops at a science fair to evening shows. Our programme uses the unique spaces of Falkirk to create a bespoke science festival.

We have a small amount of budget that can contribute towards expenses or fees for providing content at the festival. Please contact Lynsey directly to discuss your proposal on lynsey.gow@falkirk.gov.uk

FALKIRK SCIENCE FESTIVAL STRANDS & EVENTS

INNOVATE

11am – 3pm, Saturday 4^th May 2024, Zetland Park

Audience: families with young children (3 yrs+)

We are working in partnership with Falkirk Council Regeneration Project to create an open day for science activities at Zetland Park and Pavilion. The community surrounding this area are within the 5% decile of SMID.

Last year was ran in partnership with SCI-FUN project and we attracted over 400 families. This year we are looking for outdoor activities that complement and can run alongside Glasgow Science Centre’s Body Works tour. We can rig gazebos to ensure there is some undercover space, and we are looking for fun outdoor science activities that encourage and engage the young families of this area.

SCIENCE IN A KELPIE

Any date between 21^st April – 19^th May, The Kelpies, The Helix.

Audience: Adults and young adults (12 yrs+)

Previously we hosted two talks and a VR session in the unique setting of the interior of the famous Kelpie statues in Falkirk.  This year we are again planning to run a programme of talks, exhibition or science session inside a Kelpie. 2024 also celebrated 10 years of the Kelpies so we welcome any talks workshops relating to construction etc.  If you have an activity that you would like to share with Falkirk, please get in touch.

STEP BACK IN SCIENCE

11am – 3pm, Monday 6^th May, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness

Take a step back in History and see where things began.  From the construction of old estate homes to the steam engines first puff!  This will be the first event as part of Falkirk Science festival looking back at where things began.  If you have an idea contact Lynsey on the email address above.

SCIENCE RAMBLES (working title)

Any date between 9^th and 23^rd May

Location: one of the following parks in Falkirk: Callendar, Kinneil, Helix, or Muiravonside

Audience: adults and/or families (flexible depending upon content)

This year we are starting a series of science walks around some of the beautiful parks in Falkirk, and so are looking for botanists, zoologists, ecologists or biologists who would like to take groups or people around the park to show and share information on the species and ecosystems in the park.

STEM@TheHelix OPEN DAY

11am – 4pm, Saturday 11^th May, The Helix Park

A day open to all the family and all ages to participate in hands-on STEM activities.

We are looking for STEM educators to run drop-in STEM activities or mind blowing shows for all the family. Last year we had over 4000 people visit over the course of the day to take part, learn and have fun. The event is set up in two marquees with power, tables and chairs provided. If you are interested in coming down for the day, please email Lynsey on the address above.

WILD SCIENCE

11am – 3pm, Saturday 19^th May, Muiravonside Country Park

An open day for all the family to learn more about ecology and zoology.

Muiravonside is a unique location as it hosts a little farm, with ducks, chickens, sheep, pigs, cows and more. We are looking for fun, outdoor science engagement activities for this day. If you have something that you think would work, please get in touch.