The Science Festival returns to Yvelines from October 4 to 14, 2024 with a varied program that explores the mysteries of the ocean. This edition, placed under the theme “Ocean of knowledge”, is part of the Year of the Sea and aims to raise awareness among the general public of the environmental and scientific issues linked to the oceans. Universities, media libraries, observatories and cultural centers in the department are mobilizing to offer free events accessible to all.
Highlights on UVSQ campuses
The University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) offers a series of workshops and guided tours within its laboratories and observatories to better understand science:
- Versailles Sciences Campus – October 5 :
- Come manipulate fluorescent molecules, make slimes and take part in chemistry, physics and mathematics workshops. Younger children will be able to build candy molecules and discover Euler’s formula through fun experiments.
- UFR Simone Veil-Santé in Montigny-le-Bretonneux – October 12 :
- Learn about cancer prevention with a breast self-examination workshop or immerse yourself in a serious game about the measles epidemic. A virtual reality space will be set up to explore health themes in an interactive manner.
- Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Observatory (OVSQ) in Guyancourt – October 13 :
- Discover the secrets of the solar system’s oceans, take part in sky observation sessions and attend scientific demonstrations on ocean deoxygenation and navigation.
Media libraries are mobilizing for the event
Several media libraries are also participating in the 2024 Science Festival with specific programs:
- Odette Dubarry Media Library in Buchelay (October 5 – 12):
- Screenings of documentaries on marine biology, Croc’Créa workshop to make crepe paper jellyfish, and inauguration of an aquarium in the media library.
- Jean Rousselot Media Library in Guyancourt (October 9 and 12):
- Workshops on the impact of climate change on the ocean, and educational games to explain the importance of marine biodiversity.
The Versailles Observatory and its space discoveries
The Versailles Observatory offers an immersion in space sciences:
- Journey to the oceans of the solar system (October 13): Discover the aquatic environments of Mars, Jupiter and its icy moons with special entertainment for families.
- Discover the atmosphere of Titan (October 9 – 13): Attend a demonstration of the atmosphere of this satellite of Saturn using laboratory simulations.
Activities in the towns of Yvelines
- Montigny-le-Bretonneux :
- The great acceleration (October 5 – 12): a visual and sound installation on the melting of the ice, with immersive projections on the effects of climate change.
- Hatches :
- Science Show: The Water Wizard (October 9): Fun experiments and challenges to understand the properties of water.
- Versailles :
- Les Petits Débrouillards Workshop (October 5): Games and experiences to raise awareness among young people about environmental protection.
The 2024 Science Festival in Yvelines is the ideal opportunity to discover the richness of science, while emphasizing the preservation of oceans. Whether you are passionate about science, simply curious or with your family, you will find activities adapted to each age, to explore environmental issues while having fun.
For more details on the complete program and events near you, consult the official website of the Fête de la Science or the UVSQ and Saint-Quentin websites.
