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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 AUGUST 2021 7 SCIENCE EXPERIENCE SCIENCE INDOORS There is truly something for everyone to discover while taking a break from the heat! Please scan the QR code below to view Esplora's opening hours For more information kindly call on 2360 2300 or email on info@esplora.org.mt ESPLORA | Interactive Science Centre Villa Bighi, Kalkara KKR 1320 - Malta www.esplora.org.mt Esplora Interactive Science Centre was part-financed by ERDF. Esplora was declared to be an Emblematic Project by the EU Commission ESPLORA is proud to be the very first interactive science centre on the beautiful Maltese Islands and is located on the peninsula of Kalkara, raised from the ru- ins of the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, within the natural waters and formation of the Grand Har- bour. From the various outdoor areas, one can appreciate the breathtaking views of the majes- tic capital city of Valletta and the ancient city of Vittoriosa, which have barely changed over hun- dreds of years. In the early 1800s, the Royal British Fleet chose to expand on the original villa of Fra Giovan- ni Bichi to build a Royal Naval hospital in the heart of the Med- iterranean. Today one can ap- preciate the thought that went into the architectural designs that significantly contributed to the recovery of the patients, from the outdoor areas that grew cit- rus trees for health and nutrition to the interior wards and corri- dors where the designs promoted good air circulation and less dirt and dust accumulation. Visitors can notice these details and so much more whilst exploring and experimenting with the interac- tive exhibits and experiments. Esplora offers different types of experiences during a typical visit. One will have plenty of op- portunities to experiment with over 200 hands-on exhibits, and will get the chance to see one of the fantastic live Science Shows with various marvellous demon- strations. Esplora's Explainers and Science Communicators are trained to assist and encourage visitors to explore exhibits and try out the experiments for them- selves, they wear red shirts and will always be willing to answer any questions that they may have. One may be surprised to know that the goal of Esplora is not to teach science – but it's true! In- stead of telling the facts, which, after all, one can search online, the goal is to inspire visitors and cultivate their natural curiosity to explore the science that is all around them. Skills such as critical and crea- tive thinking are so crucial in the world we live in today, and these along with curiosity are key char- acteristics of scientists. It has always been Esplora's hope that by inspiring people with the beauty and wonder of science, it would trigger curiosi- ty and fascination which in turn would lead people to continue to seek and learn on their own, well after their visit to Esplora is over. This summer, the theme is "Our Bodies Inside Out" and there are two brilliant live Science Shows for one to enjoy, included in the price of the ticket. The first of these entertaining shows demonstrates what happens to food whilst it is in the body and the other explains how bodies protect from invading disease. They are fun, interactive and not-to-be-missed. On 10 August, Vittoriosa will be celebrating its patron saint, Saint Lawrence, and Esplora will be also open in the evening so that visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the dignified and classical scenery of the Grand Harbour. This event is a perfect example of how the mission of Esplora intertwines with and cel- ebrates the treasured and tradi- tional Maltese culture. Does it take science to make these beautiful fireworks? Yes! Through chemistry, the firework creator can choose the colours and effects of each firework, and through physics, one can choose the height, size, shape and even control of the explosion. An interesting aspect of Notte Di San Lorenzo is that around 10 August, planet Earth passes through an area of space where there is a lot of dust and small particles left behind by the com- et Swift-Tuttle - which last visit- ed in 1992? As the earth passes through this area, the dust burns up in its atmosphere and one will see it as shooting stars, which in Malta are called "the tears of Saint Lawrence". The lights from the surround- ing cities dim the view of this phenomenon from Esplora, but thankfully one can witness an- other phenomenon created by the Pyrotechnic Association. The association creates a carefully planned and executed fireworks display which is set off from plat- forms anchored between Vitto- riosa and Kalkara. This magnifi- cent display lights up the sky with glittering and sparkling colours, leaving spectators in awe. So, visit Esplora on 10 August for a beautiful and memorable summer evening with a spectac- ular display of lights… From the visit, no matter where one will be, fireworks will always be a re- minder of the wonderful science behind this special piece of Mal- tese culture. Tickets for the evening hours can only be bought online from the Esplora website: esplora. org.mt Spark your curiosity at Esplora