Category Archives: Seen and Done

Dunedin Science for Kids

2014-11-23 - Butterfly

On a cold rainy Saturday morning we took the kids to the museum (www.otagomuseum.govt.nz).  The ‘hands on ‘ science experience’ section for kids caters for all ages and the butterflies in the tropical forest exhibit are a joy.  The tropical heat was a treat, but I could not un-layer enough and was perspiring towards the end of our visit.  We were in time to see a release of a batch of  ‘new’ butterflies and the kids had butterflies perched on their hands and shoulders, and one of them had to be reminded that breathing would not dislodge the persistent butterfly on his arm.

But the most marvelous thing about the museum visit was the ‘science show’, presented by an enthusiastic young  paleontologist. This is the type of scientist we need  – the non retiring kind – a showman who can make science exciting and fun. His audience ranged from 4 (my grandson) to ancient (me) and everyone was kept on the edge of their seats throughout the show. There was smoking liquid nitrogen, water cold enough to be from the Antarctic, fossils passed around, flaming helium and exploding balloons. Wonderful stuff and the scientist kept everyone in suspense and never disappointed with the outcome of the experiment.

Congratulations to the museum for the contribution I am sure it is creating an early interest in science, especially here, in lovely Dunedin!

–

Beauty

2014-11-19 - Mary's Flowers

The neighbour has a garden that Monet would be proud of. She picked us this exquisite bouquet of dainty flowers and perfumed old fashioned roses. They looked so good on my ‘old fashioned’ table cloth that I had to share!

Otago Museum Tropical Forest

2014-07-06 11.50.19

We took the grand kids to the museum on a wet, gloomy day. The Discovery World section was a surprise, it had the atmosphere of a community space, almost like the town square in warmer climates!

Every one was there with at least one child who was encouraged to pull, push, beat and explore the installations. There was a great science demo by an enthusiastic student who demonstrated the chill of outer space by freezing marshmallows in liquid nitrogen AND then handing them out to be tasted by the kids. Cool in every way!

The  warmth of the Tropical Forest was welcome but soon became hot ( not the exhibit’s fault, we were dressed for Dunedin weather). The huge space is  full of huge leafy plants, ponds, walkways  and a very tall waterfall.  There even is a wobbly suspended footbridge on the mezzanine level. The butterflies were enchanting, one in particular, who came close enough for long enough to  mesmerize the baby. Some tropical forest ground dwelling animals were spotted too and a great time was had by all. Even spotted a Quail or two.  See the website at http://www.otagomuseum.govt.nz

 

How Sketchy Research Got Us All Eating Low Fat

2014-06-26 - Fatty T Bone

 

http://www.popsci.com/article/science/how-sketchy-research-got-us-all-eating-low-fat?dom=tw&src=soc

Loss of Habitat thanks to Dunedin Council

2014-06-13 09.56.282014-06-13 12.37.57

 

We have ( within the next few minutes I have to amendment that to had) a lovely, healthy,  large (the only really big   tree around here), gum tree  growing just outside our fence  on council property. Apart from being lovely to look at the tree was home to a pair of breeding kereru and a number of tuis, it was a high nectar producing tree that fed native birds, bees and bumblebees in the area .  It flowered in the late winter when few food sources exist. The tree posed no threat at all to the road, any drains or any person, on the contrary, loss of the root system could seriously compromise the stability of the steep verge of the road. The removal happened by stealth, as it where, the crane appearing at 8am opposite my garden with no prior warning and the first cuts were swiftly made. We ran for the phone and tried to speak to the authorities in charge but could not stay the outcome.

As  disturbing as the loss of the tree was the stonewalling of the council, perhaps pointing towards a cavalier attitude towards residents in this area. I fear reprisal so can not name the names of people contacted or powerful people who thought so little of this Dunedin resident that they refused to speak to me, but it was implied we were wasting our breath, that the tree will come down regardless, so just go away.

Dunedin residents are footing this bill at the rate of hundreds of dollars and hour from the moment the crane leaves the yard. We guess that the cost of removing this tree will amount to many thousands of dollars since the crane spent  5 hours on this job.  The question that needs to be asked is who benefited from this unnecessary work?  Who makes such rash decisions, and why do the residents not have a voice, but have to pay the bills?