Events Listings for Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

June, July, August  2009

“It’s Electric” (Science Theatre) Join in the fun and see sparks fly in our interactive hair-rising show about electricity. How can you generate electricity using a balloon? What links the balloon to photocopiers and lightning? Become a part of a giant circuit and hope there’s not too much resistance for it.

June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, July 4, 5, 11, 12.

Shocks and Surprises Weekend Wondering how to spend the longest days of the year?  Why not make some sparks fly at Techniquest. There’ll be additional activities on the exhibition floor which could quite literally make your hair stand on end!  Find out more about electricity and how to make it, and the amazing things you can do with it. 20 & 21 June.

The TQ Guide to the Galaxy This year is the International Year of Astronomy. To celebrate it Techniquest is making space their theme for the whole summer.  They will have a brand new show in their theatre called “Out of this World”, all about the exploration of space, find out why we want to explore space, how astronauts live in space and whether we will ever travel beyond our own solar system. They also have a new planetarium show called “Stars in their Eyes” were they will be talking about the last 400 years of astronomy and meeting the astronomers who changed the way we look at the Universe around us. You can also come and see their new exhibit about the Hershel and Planck telescopes; two European telescopes going into space to study the origins of stars, galaxies and the Universe itself. There’s even more than that, on the exhibition floor you can build a sundial, a Mars lander, study constellations and take a space-themed trail around the exhibition. (18 July – 6 September)

“Pawprints in the Summer Sky” (Planetarium)  Help Izzy take a tour of the night sky as she learns about the animals that you can find amongst the stars. Come see bears, a lion and maybe even a dragon, all made out of stars. (Suitable for under 7s). June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, July 4, 5, 11, 12.

“Moon landings: Fact or Fiction” (Planetarium) One of the most historic moments of the twentieth century took place in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stood on the Moon. But some people don’t believe this even happened and that it was all an elaborate hoax. Join us, as we look at both sides of the argument in this show. (Suitable for over 7s). June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, July 4, 5, 11, 12.

“Out of this World” (Science Theatre) Lift off at Techniquest this summer.  Discover why we want to explore space and how a space shuttle launches.  How do astronauts survive in space? Why can no one hear you scream in space? Will we ever travel beyond our solar system?  The answers to these questions and many more are Out of this World…and it’ll be a blast discovering them all at Techniquest’s Science Theatre this summer as part of the TQ Guide to the Galaxy. July 18 –  September 6.

“Stars in Their Eyes” (Planetarium) This new show takes you on a journey through 400 years of astronomy, meeting the people who changed the way we see the universe around us. From Galileo Galilei and the British astronomer who beat him to observing the moon, right up to the most recent exciting discoveries about space. Then your presenter will show you the night sky as it will appear on the night of your visit so all you have to do is wait for it to get dark to do a little bit of astronomy yourself. (Suitable for 7s and over). 18 July – 6 September

Meet the Planets (Planetarium)

Stella is a robot travelling through space. Join her as she comes to our solar system to look for a planet to live on as she investigates each of them turn. Which is too hot? Which is too cold? Which is too windy? Which planet has sulphuric acid for rain? Help Stella make up her mind, which planet would you choose to live on? (Suitable for under 7s). July 18 – September 6.

From Earth to the Universe The International Year of Astronomy Exhibition will be in Cardiff Bay, in the area around Techniquest this summer. This awe-inspiring exhibit contains 25 amazing images of planets, nebulae and galaxies taken by Earth-based and orbiting telescopes. From mid July

Toddler Days Once a month pre-school children have their run of the exhibits with activities on a special theme. There’ll be drawing and colouring and something to make to take home. Admission costs just £4 for adults – who can enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee in the café. Techniquest is buggy-friendly, with nappy-changing facilities, lockers and a café that can heat baby food and milk. July 6 – On the Beach

In addition to the shows in the Science Theatre and Planetarium, Techniquest has a vast array of hands-on exhibits in its main hall, which keeps children and parents busy for a couple of hours or more.  There is also a shop, offering a range of scientific toys, books, posters, other gifts and souvenirs, and a café serving hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks.

Techniquest is open from 9.30 – 4.30 on schooldays and from 10.00 - 5.00 at all other times.

For more information visit www.techniquest.org