Aberdeen Science Centre will be encouraging visitors to move it, move it as they explore the relationship between maths and motion as part of its latest theme.

Maths in Motion will see the introduction of new workshops and activities to the centre that will run during weekends and school holidays from December 2023 to February 2024. 

For its new theme, Aberdeen Science Centre received funding from Maths Week Scotland, which develops an annual calendar of events and special activities that culminate in its titular maths-focused awareness week that took place earlier this year. 

The new Moving Pictures Workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of stop-motion animation as they discover the basics of how the human eye perceives a progressing series of still images as movement. 

This workshop will also see the attendees make their own stop-motion movies, including designing characters, scenery and crafting their own narrative. 

New exhibition floor activities are also being introduced, including experiments that explore maths concepts such as accuracy, precision, probability and symmetry by rolling dice, flying paper planes and investigating the science of snowflakes.

New signage and information displayed on the centre’s existing exhibits will encourage visitors to undertake a series of maths challenges, including measuring the angle of paper helicopter blades, calculating the speed of a ball on a rollercoaster track and counting K’NEX car wheel rotations as it goes down a ramp.

For the more junior visitors, new maths-themed story sessions and games will be available in the centre’s designated under-6 zone.

In addition to the workshop and the activities that can be found on the exhibition floor, Aberdeen Science Centre will also host maths experts who will be available to engage with the centre’s visitors in January 2024.

Calli Buchanan, public programme co-ordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre, said:
“We are excited to continue our ongoing collaboration with Maths Week Scotland for our latest theme, Maths in Motion. We have worked with Maths Week Scotland for close to five years now, with our maths-related activities reaching more than 25,000 people over that time. 

“As part of our new theme, visitors to the centre can create their own stop-motion films, explore how maths and motion go hand in hand with our probability and accuracy activities and can take part in maths-based challenges. Each new activity will be fully inclusive, with our visitors being able to take part and have fun no matter their age or prior maths knowledge.”

Ailsa Brien, Maths Week Scotland co-ordinator, said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Aberdeen Science Centre once more for Maths Week Scotland 2023. This year's theme, Maths in Motion, has highlighted the exciting links between maths and sport, animation, engineering, weather and more. Aberdeen Science Centre’s commitment to showcasing the joy of maths means their Maths in Motion interactive activities are bound to engage and enthuse all ages!”

While advanced booking is not required at Aberdeen Science Centre, it is recommended to avoid disappointment. Standard ticket prices will apply for the Maths in Motion activities.  

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, the 5-star visitor attraction also offers exclusive venue hire as well as room hire for corporate, social and private events. 

To book a visit to the centre, visit https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/

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