Bangor University’s activities at the Eisteddfod
Bangor University is looking forward to an active week at the national Eisteddfod. Staff at the University have organised a week of activities on their stand on the Eisteddfod field.
“Our aim in holding these activities is to reflect the provision of Welsh medium higher education at Bangor University. As an institution, we offer more courses and modules through the medium of Welsh than any other higher education institution and teach the greatest number of students through the Welsh language,” explained Wyn Thomas, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Welsh medium and civic engagement.
But it’s just not on the University’s stand that you’ll come across University staff.
As one of the main sponsors of the Science and Technology Pavilion at the Eisteddfod, the University has a leading role there. In fact, the Pavilion is organised and coordinated by a member of Bangor University staff, Dr Robyn Wheldon Williams- who also presents the twice daily Flach Bang explosive shows!
Other scientists from the University are presenting Hwyl Gwyddoniaeth Prifysgol Bangor- Bangor University Science Fun in the Pavilion.
With workshops to create bouncing custard balls, slime and candle-making and a guess the skulls quiz, on the menu- there should be plenty to amuse! Also, psychology challenges will give an insight into how our brains work, while the School of Ocean Sciences will bring sea life samples from the Menai Straits with them on Wednesday and Thursday for a touchy- feely session.
There’s an opportunity to take part in hard science as well- children can test water from Welsh rivers- and the results will be fed into an international research survey. This and other chemistry activities are sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry as part of the International Year of Chemistry.
Are you sure your hands are clean? And can you stock a fridge correctly? Scientists from the School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography will be on hand to ensure that you keep bugs such as e-coli at bay with some basic hygiene tips. They will also be discussing sustainability.
“Through entertainment and play- and a little work, Welsh children, their parents and the occasional adult can access a bit of science, technology and mathematics- almost without realising!” said Dr Robyn Wheldon Williams.
“The Eisteddfod is a great opportunity to convey the breadth of sciences, and the way science affects every aspect of our daily lives,” he added.
Dr Robyn Wheldon Williams’s work at the Science and Technology Pavilion is sponsored by Bangor University, and he has been organising the event since September 2007. He has been bringing the Flash Bang Show to the Eisteddfod an assisting at the Pavilion since 2005.
Another member of staff will be calling in at the pavilion is Professor Deri Tomos, of the School of Biological Sciences. He has been invited to speak about his experiences in science to celebrate the Pavilion’s 40th birthday.
The North Wales Welsh For Adults Centre, also part of the University, are responsible for coordinating Welsh for Adults in North Wales- and are involved with the Maes D Welsh learner’s space on the Field. In collaboration with the region’s learners, the Centre has organised a full programme of events, so call in there to see what’s on.
There are several other opportunities to come across our staff on the Maes- Prof Peredur Lynch of the School of Welsh is being accepted as a member of the Gorsedd on Friday and Shan Ashton of the School of Lifelong Learning is chairing a meeting on Wednesday at 3.30 in the Societies Tent on ‘Wales and Nicaragua:25 year of support’.
The Bangor Branch of the Guild of Graduates present a lecture by Professor R Gareth Wyn Jones on former Bangor University Principal, Sir Charles Evans FRS at 2.15 at the University of Wales stand.
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Discussing the future of the Welsh Music Industry- and enjoying a musical day
Publication date: 29 July 2011