Visitors are set to have a whale of a time this Easter at Dynamic Earth, with a whole host of marine-themed experiences as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.
From 6 to 22 April, a ticket for Dynamic Earth will also include access to a sea of special activities, all aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our oceans.
Seasonal events include Atlantic Adventures (11, 14, 15, 20 and 21 April), where youngsters can play with real and virtual underwater robots and find out how scientists are working to protect a changing ocean; Aliens of the Deep (20 and 21 April), a tie up with the Marine Conservation Society, which seeks to discover all the weird and wonderful creatures living within the ocean and how they have adapted to survive; and Revealing Scotland’s Cold Water Coral Reefs (17 and 19 April), where families can get hands-on with real reef samples. Don’t forget to bring a clean glass jar to make a crafty coral creation to take away!
Coming back to the surface, artist Julia Barton will be encouraging visitors to bring along plastic bottles on 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 April. They can then help to wash and squash these as part of her thought provoking #LitterCUBES project, which raises awareness of litter on local beaches. Elsewhere in the outdoors, young explorers can find out all about the volcanic eruptions that rocked Edinburgh, then head out into Holyrood Park to see the evidence on 12 and 14 April.
Geology fans will want to keep 16 April free in their diaries, as Professor Iain Stewart, presenter of the BBC’s The Power of the Planet, will be at Dynamic Earth exploring the geological underworld. In the morning, as part of the Delving into Deep Earth activity, youngsters can discover the uses of different types of rock and minerals and even make their own Earthquake! A later activity – Communicating the Hidden Commons – will take place at 6pm with Professor Stewart and the British Geological Survey, which discusses the challenges of understanding the realm below our feet and managing it more sustainably.
On April 22, the venue will be celebrating Earth Day and providing a whole host of fun, drop-in activities focussed on how we can all do our bit to protect our amazing planet.
With more taking place than can fit into the day, exclusive ‘after hours’ Dome Night events will also be on offer over Easter (6,9, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20 April) providing a real full dome cinematic treat. Visitors have a choice of three, spectacular 360 degree films: Holst’s ‘The Planets’; ‘Dark Side of the Moon’, inspired by the music of Pink Floyd; and ‘Sonic Vision’, a mix of rock classics, with popcorn and refreshments also available as part of the unique, immersive cinema experience.
Commenting on this year’s Easter programme, Eilidh Massie, marketing director at Dynamic Earth, said: “We’re very excited to launch our jam-packed programme for April. This year, our focus is on telling the fascinating story of Scotland’s marine life.
“Adding this new element to our story is a fantastic way to help people further understand and marvel at our incredible world. From exploring the sea bed with robots to joining the fight against ocean plastic pollution, there is truly something for the whole family to enjoy this Easter!”
In addition to the Easter programme, regular Dynamic Earth features include the ever-popular real iceberg, a bone-shaking earthquake and the Deep Time Machine which takes visitors billions of years back in time.
The Easter activities will run from 6 until 21 April. All daytime events are included with admission to the Dynamic Earth exhibition and free for Explorer Pass holders. For certain activities, advanced booking is required. More information on all the events and activities is available on the Dynamic Earth website: www.dynamicearth.co.uk
