To mark the launch of Science Week 2010, running from 7 to 14 November, Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) has launched “Space Brains”, a free app available for the iPod Touch or iPhone.
“Space Brains” supports this year’s theme for Science Week which is “Our Place in Space”.
DSE partnered with Armagh Planetarium and Blackrock Castle Observatory to develop over 1,000 questions for the quiz. Questions range from what year man first stepped on the Moon to how many planets there are in the solar system.
It has a variety of difficulty levels, and each category features different “mini-games” which includes Trivia, What Year, True or False, Hangman and many more.
Star astronomers
Astronomers Dave McDonald and Dave Grennan at the launch of the “Space Brains” app
On hand at the launch were two of Ireland’s top amateur astronomers – Dave Grennan and Dave McDonald.
Dave Grennan recently hit the headlines when he became the first person in Ireland to discover a Supernova, from his back garden observatory in Raheny in Dublin.
“Astronomy is a fun and accessible to all,” he says. “You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to learn more about the night sky. It is amazing what you can see with your eyes if you take the time to look.
“Having played ‘Space Brains’, I think it’s a great way of stimulating interest among young people in the areas of space and astronomy.”
Astronomer Dave McDonald also secured a place in the history books in 2008 when he discovered an asteroid from his back garden in Celbridge. Speaking at the launch of “Space Brains”, he said: “People have an interest in space and astronomy and ‘Space Brains’ is all about tapping into that interest. The app means that anyone can test their knowledge and find out just how much they know about space.”
Ann Fitzpatrick, ESERO (European Space Education Resource Office) Manager at DSE, said: “Through initiatives such as ‘Space Brains’ we can reach out to young people at an early stage in a way that is relevant, meaningful and fun, potentially sparking a lifetime’s interest in space exploration.”
Learn more
Download the “Space Brains” app for free from the iTunes store
