Photo: Small Tooth Sandtiger Shark by Sharklab Malta at Science in the City
Photo Credit: Karen Fiorini
NGOs are coming out in force in this year’s Science in the City festival, being held on Friday 30 September, 18:00 till midnight. Science is everywhere and this year more NGOs than ever before will be setting up stalls and showing what they do.
Birdlife Malta will be present with a stand on seabirds that nest on the Maltese islands. They will show how these nocturnal creatures are studied and where they usually nest. Thermal images will also be turned to puzzles whereby volunteers will be asked to spot the number of objects within these images.
Issues relating to fairtrade of goods will be addressed by L-Arka Fairtrade Shop. The ethics relating to food and their journey from the fields to our plates will be explored. And pay attention as they’ve also prepared a Fairtrade quiz as well!
The NGO Fingerprints shall be delving into the curious world of lichens. Lichens are all around us but seldom noticed. Their Lichen It! project mixes art and science to reveal the hidden life of the peculiar organisms. Visitors will be able to journey through the streets of Valletta on a scavenger hunt and the first 15 individuals to complete it will be awarded with a decorated clay mug.
A writing exhibition, a book swap and merchandise - this is what CWAM (the Creative Writers’ Alliance Malta) has to offer at this year’s SITC. As an organisation striving towards bettering working conditions for writers in Malta, CWAM is looking for professional and working writers to come share their experiences, new writers to join the ranks and supporters to aid our cause.
Following last year’s success, Sharklab Malta are back with parts of sharks, skates and rays that can be seen and touched. Real and mechanical jaws will be set up side by side to demonstrate how they work, along with how these animals bite, a shark’s ability to change teeth and much more.
The through the lens activity is being organised by the Entomological Society of Malta. Microscopes will be used for visitors to catch a closer glance at the world of the creepy crawlies. Society members shall be sharing their knowledge of insects such as dragonflies and butterflies through interactive displays and fun activities.
Plants and sea turtles will be the focus of this year’s Nature Trust Stall. Seeds of local plans shall be handed out to those who can provide them with a caring home. Moreover, a marine debris display will focus on the materials commonly found within the stomach of sea turtles. The public will also have the opportunity to chat with members of the Wildlife Rescue Team and discuss their work relating to turtle rehabilitation.
ESPLORA (MCST’s interactive science centre) will also have volunteers to set up science busking activities for everyone to try out and enjoy. They will also bring shows and experiments for everyone to try out.
NSTF Science will once again be participating in this year’s festival. The best projects emanating from their Science Expo and Student Science forum will be present. Visitors will have the opportunity to come have a chat, discuss and enjoy the numerous experiments and exhibitions set up by these students.
Kids from the University’s Cottonera Resource Centre are also setting up their own stands. After a jam-packed summer of interactive lessons and activities, a group of 8 to 13 year olds will be bringing along their robots to Science in the City! Those attending will have the opportunity to see these robots being put together and operated using the programmes the kids themselves learnt.
The EFFE recognised festival is organised by the University of Malta, Malta Chamber of Scientists, and Research Trust (RIDT), together with a host of partners and sponsors, and funded by the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) Programme (2014–2020). Full programme.
Photo: Small Tooth Sandtiger Shark by Sharklab Malta at Science in the City. Image by Karen Fiorini.