Easter has its traditional themes of chicks, bunny rabbits and Easter eggs and whilst the Life Science Centre does offer a bit of tradition (chocolate tasting workshops and chocolate egg making) being science based…it offers something out of this world too…quite literally!
The hugely popular 'make-it' zone celebrates this year's 40th anniversary of the last time man stepped on the moon. Life's first ever 'Maker in Residence' Helen Schell has ambitious plans to be the first artist on the moon, but that aside she's contenting herself with being on hand to help families and children to create a lunar habitat, and making moon buggies and rockets.
The Planetarium has three diverse shows on a rolling programme so children of all ages will find something to interest them. 'Astronaut', narrated by Ewan McGregor, ties in with the space theme and explains what it's like to live and train as an astronaut. Death of the Dinosaurs charts the demise and possible causes of the extinction of the largest creatures ever to roam the earth and there's a brand new show, the second to feature Life's planetarium characters The Naughty Monsters. Called Naughty Monsters Explore The Planets, it follows the little creatures on a tour of the solar system.
Little piggies are showcased in a new Science Theatre show called Pigs Might Fly which explains, in a fun and highly visual way, the science of forces and flight.
"There's more than one way to cross a swamp i.e. The Life Theatre stage" says Elin Roberts, Head of Public Engagement, "and we'll be using the laws of physics and mathematics with a bit of ingenuity and skill to come up with a plethora of methods" she says "from old fashioned medieval machines to a modern rocket".
"We'll be changing the mass, to see if that makes a difference" says Elin "Flying high isn't always the most effective method of transport and we'll be demonstrating a number of methods in a fun filled 20 minutes. We're asking the audience to vote for the pig that they think has gone the furthest, which one flies the highest and which one is the fastest, with a bonus prize for the most destructive pig of the show."
For traditionalists the Woolly Wonders workshop (weekends and weekdays excluding Good Friday- Easter Monday) shows how to transform wool into felt which can be taken home to make a bookmark or a bracelet. (Suitable for aged 7 and above. Sign up for workshops on arrival at reception.)
…and the Chocolate Heaven workshop (Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive) explores the science behind our favourite Easter treat. There's a chance to make a miniature egg to take home or eat there and then. Suitable for aged 7 and above. Sign up for workshops on arrival at reception.
The Easter holiday period is also the last chance to see the Motion Ride's Deep Sea presentation before its upgrade to a 4D motion ride, the only one in the North East, opening at the end of May
General admission info:-
Venue: Life Science Centre, Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP
Tel: 0191 243 8210 Reception: Tel: 0191 243 8268
Opening Times:
Monday - Friday 10am – 6pm; Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday 11am - 5pm (last admission time 4pm)
Check website for latest prices and special offers www.life.org.uk
Ends:
For further press information please contact: Vicky Pepys/Nicola McIntosh Centre for Life Tel: 0191 243 8209 Vicky.pepys@life.org.uk /nicola.mcintosh@life.org.uk
Information is updated regularly on the website www.life.org.uk
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