Cocktails and poison on strange weekend at NI Science Festival

Biologist Simon Watt from The Ugly Animal Preservation Society demonstrates one of teh defense mechanisims used by animals during the NI Science Festival which continues in Derry this week. PIcture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.

One of the most popular so far has been the Northern Ireland Festival Roadshow, which is begin held in the main sports hall at the Foyle Arena.

A spokesman for the event said: “The NI Science Festival Roadshow is a hands-on event designed to encourage students to think like scientists and engineers.

“At this event, pupils will have a go at carrying out experiments, controlling and programming robots, using 3D printers, creating 2D games and apps, learning about the habits and habitats of creatures like bats and fish.

“We will also be running interactive science shows which will take you on a journey to explore different types of energy, a teddy bear rocket launcher, looks at how electricity flows, how air moves and even build a hover craft on stage.”

This event will feature lots of bangs and explosions and will require audience participation throughout.

It is supported by DCSDC, Institute of Physics, Ulster University, STEM Aware, COE Colour, Aislinn Cassidy, Creggan Country Park, Reading Rooms, Little Legends, Derry Productions, Kippie, FabLab, Loughs Agency, IM Happy, Intelligent Systems Research Centre and tee, North West Regional College.

‘What’s Your Poison?’ - an investigation into toxicology and intoxication - is being held tonight in the Playhouse at 8pm.

“From the people who brought us the extremely popular Synaesthesia Cocktail night at NISF16, you’ll be treated to three delicious drinks while gaining a factual insight into the physiology and pharmacology of poison and learn about the toxic ingredients we consume on a day-to-day basis,” a spokesman said.

The entry price of £20 includes three cocktails: ‘The Scent of Butter Almonds’; ‘Poison Apple’ and Coffee and Cigarettes’.

For obvious reasons, entry is open to only over 18s.

Also at the Playhouse on Sunday is ‘A Taste of Flavour SenseNation’ from 3-4pm.

“An exciting new interactive event that takes your taste buds on a roller-coaster ride through the senses,” the spokesman said.

“It will challenge your sensory skills, your taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing, to see how they react with each other when different sounds, smells and textures are thrown into the mix.

“This is no ordinary experience; you will sample the “fifth taste”, test your smelling memory skills, trick your taste buds and sample some very weird foods.”

For full details and booking visit http://nisciencefestival.com/.