Event Description
Join the scientists and natural science curators from National Museums NI for a day at the Ulster Transport Museum as we explore the natural world through the microscope.
Taking a different approach to looking at how we engage with the environment and technology, this unique event includes talks and exhibitions from various experts in the field of STEAM. You can also enjoy a range of performances and demonstrations from local artists and businesses throughout the day.
Join us as we investigate the impact we’re having on our planet and uncover the wonders of our natural environment!
Price includes general admission into Ulster Transport Museum
'Mass of Roots' is a series of pop-up events featuring the Natural Science team from National Museums NI, taking place as part of Northern Ireland Science Festival 2023.We'll be talking about creepy crawlies, debunking science fiction myths, demonstrating how we digitise collection pieces, exploring micro organisms, and eating mushrooms pies from Belfast's own Hearty Growers! Check out what's going on below.
Helen James and Andrew Kenny Rivers – an insight into the mysterious life that lies beneath the waters; a place in space for freshwater macroinvertebrates
Cart Gallery, 11.00 - 12.00
Our natural science curators will be giving a talk and presentation exploring river invertebrates, including specimens for you to study through microscopes!
Bernard Picton and Robyn Donaghy Digitising the marine sponge collection of the Ulster Museum - a galaxy of diversity seen under the microscope
Museum of Innovation, 11.00 - 15.00
We will be hosting a live demonstration of our digitisation process, showing how our sea sponge specimens are archived.
Nigel Cook
Science Fact or Science Fiction Tour, 12:00 - 13:00
A roaming tour of the Museum of Innovation, exploring the science fact and debunking the science fiction using objects from our collection. The tour will begin at 12:00 in the entrance to the Land, Sea and Sky Gallery.
Hearty Growers Mushroom farmers
Stall and pie samples, 11.00 - 15.00
Terry from Hearty growers, who are based in Banana Block Belfast, will be at the museum serving free mushroom pies! There will also be a range of mushroom based products on sale.
The Terrascope
Gallery Entrance, All Day
Jasmin Marker is an artist based in Belfast who works with micro-organisms as part of her practice. Her ‘Terrascope’ is a 3D printed telescope that focusses your gaze down to the earth instead of distant galaxies!
Event Partners
