Free and fun science events today

Israelis of all ages are invited to discover the wonderful world of science and meet researchers at free events in 15 institutions of higher learning and research institutes around the country. Dozens of events will be open for Scientists' Night on Thursday evening, in cooperation with the Science, Technology and Space Ministry and the European Union. Activities will range from street games, computer game competitions and a huge chess game, to lectures on the connection between math and billiards, how one develops creative thinking and games from the time of the Bible. Science Minister Ofir Akunis said Scientists' Night is a “wonderful opportunity to expose the younger and even the older generation to the fun of science and to show that even a game offers a chance to learn and discover scientific principles. The visitors will also be exposed to goings-on in research institutions, new developments and the beauty of science,” he said. Jerusalem's Bloomfield Science Museum will have giant Lego pieces to build models. The Volcani Institute for Agricultural Research will also be at the museum. At Tel Aviv University, there will be a skimmers (paper airplanes) race and a boardgame competition. The Migal Galilee Research Institute of Kiryat Shmona, which specializes in biotechnology, will offer short lectures on a wide variety of subjects and enable children to make science-related objects of their own. Playing with computer consoles will be available at the University of Haifa. A lecture by the inventor of the Israeli game Taki will be on hand. The Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya offers street games, virtual reality and participation in an experiment connecting time and the body. A lecturer will speak on the possibility that computer games could bring peace. The MadaTech Science Museum on the old Technion- Israel Institute of Technology campus in Haifa will have a robot demonstration, and it will enable visitors to amuse themselves with costumes and colors from nature. How card and coin tricks are done will also be explained. At Bar-Ilan University, a telepathist will put on a show, and robot games and chess will be played. The Open University offers a chance to become butterfly researchers who have arrived at Amazon rain forests to save rare species. Participants will also be able to help a computer identify cynicism or other feelings and play with virtual reality systems. Science games for young children will be offered at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem's Givat Ram campus, as well as lectures on games in biblical times. Experts at HU's agricultural faculty in Rehovot will speak on roots and drip irrigation, raising vines and preparing wine, genetics of wheat, raising vegetables, protecting plants against pests and what harms trees irrigated with sewage water. The events will begin Thursday afternoon and continue into the night.

Free and fun science events today

Dozens of events will be open for Scientists’ Night on Thursday evening, in cooperation with the Science, Technology and Space Ministry and the European Union.

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