Aberdeen Science Centre is launching its latest theme this month, in partnership with Equinor, which will see the introduction of a variety of coding related activities and workshops.  

The new theme, dubbed Code Factory, which has been sponsored by Equinor, will see visitors talking part in several new interactive sessions, with activities available for all ages and abilities.  

The new sessions will incorporate pocket-sized micro:bit computers that give a fascinating insight into the world of coding.  

A code-a-long workshop will see participants code a pet hamster, play Rock, Paper, Scissors, make a drum kit or construct a working radio using the micro:bit computers.  

Several Science on the Spot and floor activities will be available throughout the centre’s exhibition space, where visitors can ‘code a person’ and try their hand at programming, pattern recognition and sequencing with beads. 

Younger visitors to Aberdeen Science Centre can enjoy storytelling sessions and a new Little Explorers Day in January, in which junior scientists under the age of 5 can take part in treasure hunts, crafts and sequencing puzzles.   

Energy company Equinor is Aberdeen Science Centre’s Digital Futures Partner, backing STEM education and the digital transformation. The agreement includes supporting the Code Factory programme, which aims to engage young people in coding, programming and virtual reality and support building these critical skills early and the development of the venue’s chatty humanoid robot RoboThespian.

The Code Factory theme will run until the end of January, including the Christmas holidays. 

Lynda McConnach, public and digital programme coordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: 
“We are delighted to launch our latest theme this December to give our visitors a fantastic introduction to coding, with fun activities for all members of the family. 

“We are grateful to Equinor for sponsoring our latest theme and we cannot wait for our visitors to see what we have in store. With a brand-new workshop, Little Explorer Days and Science on the Spot sessions, coding will have never seemed so much fun! Through these activities, we hope to inspire our young visitors to become the coders of the future.” 

Recently awarded 5-star status by VisitScotland, Aberdeen Science Centre reopened to the public in November 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education. 

The centre’s exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and the dedicated area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are brought to life. 

Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome - with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.  

The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work. 

KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus