Science Rocks!

8th February 2011

Boulders and Science Junkie are teaming up with the British Science Association to bring youngsters a fun filled educational show of science and climbing. Students will get to learn the ropes first hand and discover the science involved in the world of climbing. An intuitive mix of Physics, Biology, Geology, Rock Climbing and loads more! Teamed up with Science Junkie, Boulders aspire to educate youngsters on the sciences behind rock climbing with the aim to deliver five ‘Science Rocks’ lessons during National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) in March.

‘Science Rocks’, in association with the Welsh Assembly Government and British Science Association, is an exciting live demonstration of the communication, physics and biology behind rock climbing! Participants will receive an initial lesson looking at the science behind climbing before getting a chance to give climbing a go themselves. The event will be held at Boulders throughout NSEW with two sessions daily starting at 9:30am and finishing at 4:00pm between the 14th and 18th of March.

Whether your students are first time climbers, first time scientists, or they know it all, it’s a great learning experience all round. Learn about the ‘Ape Index’, where rocks come from, and even watch a piece of climbing equipment tested to destruction right in front of you with DMM’s Testing Rig! There’s loads to see with a Science Rock Show about the Science of rock climbing. Loads to do with 8 “hands on” workshops. And loads to love with a whole hour of climbing to put the science to the test! Whoever you are, whatever you do, you’re going to think ‘Science Rocks’!

The whole event should last 3 hours and is aimed at children aged between 12 and 15. Boulders is an inclusive facility and has a great deal of experience in delivering adapted sessions to suite most disabilities. Most special requirements can be catered for with prior notice.

Science Rocks Workshops

You Rock

Ape Index - Learn about the climbing body measurement commonly called the ‘Ape Index’. Measure your ape index and your friends' indices for to make you even better climbers.

Lung Capacity - Your body uses a fuel to keep going, that fuel is oxygen. See how much air you can really get in your lungs to keep you going, and if it changes during climbing.

Climbing Equipment (DMM) - Ever seen a piece of climbing equipment break? Let’s hope this is the only place you do! DMM are one of the best climbing manufacturers in the UK, they’ll be on hand to answer questions on the equipment.

Secret Workshops - The last workshops will add extra depth to the workshops, come along on the day to find out what they might be.

Climbing Rocks

Rocks (BGS) - Rock climbing requires a few things, one of them is rocks! But where do they come from? The British Geological Society are at Science Rocks to answer those questions.

Fall Factor - It’s sometimes quite scary when you’re climbing because you think you might fall! In this short workshop, you can see why it’s safe to even jump off the wall when it’s done properly.

Friction - What are these weird shoes we wear climbing? It’s all to do with Friction! Measure the Friction of different shoes and make your own mind up about which is best.

Secret Workshops - The last workshops will add extra depth to the workshops, come along on the day to find out what they might be.

For more information about the Science Rocks workshops and timetable please click here.

Back to latest news here.

Keep-up-to-date

Keep up-to-date with Cardiff news, events, competitions and offers by following us on Twitter or becoming a fan on Facebook.