Children rule the roost at Science in the City

From becoming a sleuth in Space Detectives to playing award-winning indie games, children of all age brackets stand the chance to go on the path of discovering scientific truths about the world that surrounds them.

Friday 26 September sees the ever-expanding Science in the City hosting more than 40 events spread along Republic Street, from City Entrance and St James Cavalier to St George’s Square, including especially designed activities and events for children from the ages of 5 and above.

At the Music Room St James Cavalier from 6pm onwards, an engrossing puppet show ‘Zargo comes to Earth’ by S-Cubed will mimic the arrival of Zargo, an alien from outer space, who begins exploring the world along with the help of some scientists he meets. While older children are watching the plays younger ones can be doing some science experiments and arts with an animator in the Atrium of St James Cavalier.

The ‘Search for the Scientist’ treasure hunt, organised by University science student Julia Vella, begins from the S-cubed Physics stand in Republic Street where young participants will go on a hunting spree to search for well-known scientists who will be strategically present around the streets of the capital.

Once found, the participants will need to give the scientists a keyword and in turn the scientists will ask them to solve a small puzzle or answer a question in order to receive a clue. Participants will finish at The Atrium in St. James Cavalier upon gathering all the clues to claim their riches. Duration is 30 minutes and the Treasure Hunt will be repeated on the hour between 6.00pm and 10.00pm.

More excitement will ensue at the Quakes and Shakes, organised by the Seismic Monitoring and Research Unit, mixed-used event at City Entrance where children will be asked to create a ‘mini earthquake’ by jumping and shaking.

A number of personnel will be on hand at the stand to explain earthquakes and in particular in the Mediterranean in the form of posters and video presentations. A real seismometer, among other equipment, will be onsite to demonstrate earthquake recordings.

The world of video games will enthral children and adults alike at the National Library. Academics from University of Malta’s newest research centre Institute of Digital Games will showcase alternative independent games that challenge our assumptions, ask problematic questions, and even help children with dyslexia. The selection of awards-winning games will be showcased to players of all ages.  

A Space Detectives gallery will be set up in collaboration with the University of Malta Library at Casino Maltese to display unique high resolution photos taken from space.

Meanwhile the centrepiece of S-Cubed's involvement in Science in the City will be a Live Science Show; featuring a series of performances by students and lecturers from University who will produce the best science trick in the business to showcase the soft and fun side of science.

“Young children learn more when it is hands-on or experimental. The Science in the City festival is an ideal breeding ground for capturing their imagination.

"This is why we curated a unique festival-going experience for them with a simple idea: let them get their hands dirty and do the science themselves, get inspired and go on to transform the future of our society,” said Dr Edward Duca, Science in the City project manager.

The Science in the City festival—European Researchers’ Night is supported by the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) Programme. The event is organised by the University of Malta, Malta Chamber of Scientists and the Research Trust of the University of Malta (RIDT), in partnership with Karl Borg Events, Studio 7, Valletta 2018 Foundation, MEUSAC, Valletta Local Council, Malta Council for Science and Technology, Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology, Arts Council Malta, PBS, Notte Bianca, St James Cavalier, Lufthansa Technik Malta, General Soft Drinks with Coca Cola, Ta' Mena wines, and British Council.

The full programme and venue details can be downloaded in the coming days from www.scienceinthecity.org.mt