Free Offshore Wind 4 Kids events at Aberdeen Science Centre this October  

Aberdeen Science Centre will inspire future generations to discover more about offshore wind energy with a fortnight of free events. 

Starting on October 2, the centre will be hosting events for schools with over 600 pupils from across the region taking part in Offshore Wind 4 Kids sessions when they visit Aberdeen Science Centre. 

Funded by OPITO, this free event will also be open to the public with an Offshore Wind 4 Kids public session on Saturday October 7.  

The initiative is designed to encourage young people to find out more about offshore wind. Both the public and schools’ sessions include a workshop which will see participants being challenged to take part in hands-on activities which include building and testing their own floating wind turbine.  

Those taking part will complete the lifecycle of their project by decommissioning their turbine at the end of the session. 

Lynda McConnach, public and digital coordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre, said:
“Throughout early October we are expecting to host the true future of the floating wind industry at Aberdeen Science Centre. The Offshore Wind 4 Kids events are designed to inspire young people to find out more about engineering, technology, and renewable energy. 

“We are delighted to be offering people the chance to come along and put their engineering skills into action. The public event will also help to spread awareness of offshore wind to the general public.  

“The public session is on Saturday, October 7. There’s no need to book, just come along. We are excited to see the wind turbines being created on the day, we hope everyone enjoys building them, and then testing them to see whether they float. Visitors to the centre will also be able to explore our exhibits as well.” 

The free public Offshore Wind 4 Kids day takes place at the midpoint of the schools’ activities. According to Aberdeen Science Centre’s school engagement coordinator, Fiona Dobie, the schools' sessions have proved extremely popular. 

“The response from schools throughout Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire has been fantastic. The sessions were booked up within four days of the signup link going live. 

“The Offshore Wind 4 Kids workshops are aimed at pupils in P5 to P7. They are running for two weeks in early October, and we expect to have 19 schools taking part with an estimated 600 pupils joining in with the offshore wind energy themed events. 

The Offshore Wind 4 Kids sessions at Aberdeen Science Centre, and the schools’ travel to and from the venue, are funded by OPITO as part of its My Energy Future initiative. Through the initiative, OPITO aims to capture and communicate with those who might want to be part of the solution.  

Faye Sherriffs, vice president of energy transition and strategic development at OPITO, said:  
“After the success of our first OffshoreWind4Kids workshops in Aberdeen in 2022, it's brilliant to return and give more young people the chance to get hands-on experience with offshore wind. 

“Access to STEM education is crucial for our journey towards building a net-zero workforce of the future. Initiatives like OffshoreWind4Kids and the valuable work of Aberdeen Science Centre are critical if we are to inspire the estimated 130,000 more people required to join the sector to realise shared net zero ambitions. 

“By participating in this free event, we hope children feel excited about the limitless opportunities a career in energy can offer.” 

Their programme of activities is designed to help young people discover how they can help to shape the future of the energy mix. For more information visit: Help Shape The Future of Energy | My Energy Future 

Based on Constitution Street near Aberdeen beach, ASC is home to almost 65 interactive exhibits, allowing people of all ages to discover topics including Space, Energy, Life Sciences, Engineering, and much more. 

Open seven days a week, Aberdeen Science Centre also offers exclusive venue hire as well as room hire for corporate, social and private events.  

To book a visit to the centre, click here. 

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