By Kate Hodges
09th March 2022
EVENT DROPPING SCIENCE
It’s British Science Week – seven days of STEM-centric, countrywide events; we love the sound of the the Dorchester Corn Exchange’s Dancing Under The Moon, Science At The Welsh Wind Distillery, and Lucy Cooke’s fascinating exploration of how the female has been marginalised across species. There are dozens of exciting STEM-related happenings across the country – check online to find one near you. The site also has some great resources for learning – download a free activity pack here (you’ll also find previous years’ packs via the same link) and find out more about the Smashing Stereotypes campaign here (do you have a preconceived idea of what a scientist should look like?).
EVENT SONIC CATHEDRALS
Interact with touch screens to create incredible floral shapes and music, explore a mysterious vortex, swirling with light and fog, or step through a hooped scanner to create distorted self-portraits; these pieces delight the smallest art fan as well as seasoned critics. Glasgow’s sense-stimulating Sonica festival celebrates visual sonic arts that harness technology to create beauty. Held across 11 venues, the event runs until March 20. Some events ticketed, many free. Find out more here
RECIPE AND MAKE GOOD FORAGE
Taking a stroll in the countryside this weekend? Why not take the opportunity to forage for the earliest, most tender spring leaves. Chickweed should be starting to peep through; use it to make these tasty River Cottage pakoras, or as a powerful, herbal ingredient in a soothing salve. Nettles are starting to appear; their new leaves taste fresh and are full of vital minerals and vitamins. But you can do more with them than make soup – although this River Cottage recipe is quite delicious – we love these 20 great ideas for using stingers from chips to hair rinses! Find more of our nettle love here and our ideas for how to use them for health here.
EVENT LARKING AROUND
“Laura lives on a tiny boat on the biggest dock in London with her Dad and their ancient dog “Fish”. Tonight it’s the lowest Spring Tide on record, which for Laura only means one thing – Mudlarking! She has her torch on and bucket ready, the only problem is her Dad won’t let her go. In a fit of rage, Laura hurls her most prized possession, a ring her mother left her, into the dock. Before she knows what she’s done she’s dived in after it and finds herself in a magical underwater world.” Watch Shadowboxer’s magical puppetry show Moonlight Mudlark on a pay-what-you-can online courtesy of the Little Angel Theatre on Sunday at 12pm. Watch more shows suitable for ages 3+ here
MAKE AND DO DAFFY FUN
It’s been a tough winter for everyone, so the annual daffodil burst of yellow is more cheering than ever; find a National Trust spot full of them near you here or in a garden here. Alternatively, make your own! Find lots of inspirational, daffodil-based lesson plans here and a spectacular experiment for toddlers (or anyone who likes creating strangely coloured blooms) here
HEADS UP TIME! The Big Bang Science Fair takes place at Birmingham NEC in June. It’s inspiring, fun, HUGE and free, but you must book your tickets in advance. Here’s your reminder to do just that…
WHAT WE’RE READING Five tips from a psychologist and child counsellor: “Ukraine’s 7.5 million children are caught in the middle of the conflict with Russia. Their lives are at risk. So is their mental health and the potential for long-term trauma.But perpetual social media, news and conversations between adults mean that other children around the world – those not close by or directly affected by it – are also very aware of the crisis.Many are frightened and don’t know what to expect.They have questions.So, to help parents, family and care-givers navigate the overwhelming task of responding to children’s fears and worries, Ane Lemche, a psychologist and child counsellor at Save the Children, has shared five tips on how to speak to children about war’ Read more here
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING The Walk That Made Me: naturalist, broadcaster and natural treasure Chris Packham takes a walk through the Hampshire countryside. But it’s more than a stroll, it’s a thoughtful, heart-searingly honest wander through Chris’ mental health issues, the loss of his dogs and his life with ASD. We adored it. Watch here
