Teadlaste Öö Festival 2026
On 26 September, we invite you to the Ice Age Centre for a special programme dedicated to the Energy theme of the Teadlaste Öö Festival: “Energy through the Ice Age: from the past to the future.”
Join us to explore how energy has shaped the world throughout time – from the emergence of life, the movement of glaciers and the survival of living organisms to today’s energy choices and future climate challenges.
Throughout the day, you can explore how glaciers scraped, carried and shaped the landscape, how much food energy a mammoth needed to survive in a cold environment, and what choices we face today when it comes to energy production, conservation and environmental impact.
The programme connects the Ice Age Centre’s main themes – the Ice Age, climate, the formation of nature and human impact on the environment – with the “Energy” theme of the 2026 Teadlaste Öö Festival.
The programme is suitable for families, school groups, young people and adults. The activities are designed so that you are not just a listener – you can experiment, calculate, discuss and share your ideas yourself.
Programme
11:00–11:45 | Workshop
When Ice Moves: The Hidden Power of Glaciers
In this hands-on workshop, we explore how glaciers shape the landscape. Using sand, gravel, rocks and ice, we experiment with how ice scrapes, carries and grinds, leaving traces that can still be seen in the Estonian landscape today.
12:00–12:40 | Interactive Workshop
Could You Feed a Mammoth?
All animals are different and require different amounts of energy from food. In this workshop, we explore energy expenditure and calculate how much food energy is needed, taking into account habitat, movement and dangers. We discuss what it took to survive during the Ice Age.
13:00–13:50 | Guided Tour
The Energy Time Machine: From Ancient Seas to the Future
The tour takes you on a journey through time: into the distant past, the present and possible futures. We explore where energy came from, where it moved, and how the distribution of energy has influenced climate, nature and people.
14:15–15:00 | Workshop
When Ice Moves: The Hidden Power of Glaciers
In this hands-on workshop, we explore how glaciers shape the landscape. Using sand, gravel, rocks and ice, we experiment with how ice scrapes, carries and grinds, leaving traces that can still be seen in the Estonian landscape today.
15:30–16:30 | Role-Playing Game
What Future Will We Choose?
Choose an energy production method and explain, defend and argue for your choice. Together, we discuss which energy solution could be suitable for the Estonia of the future and how to find a balance between nature, people and technology.
17:00–17:40 | Interactive Workshop
Could You Feed a Mammoth?
All animals are different and require different amounts of energy from food. In this workshop, we explore energy expenditure and calculate how much food energy is needed, taking into account habitat, movement and dangers. We discuss what it took to survive during the Ice Age.
Advance registration is required for all activities.
To register, contact the Ice Age Centre:
info@jaaaeg.ee
5911 3318
See you at the Ice Age Centre on 26 September!
The project is funded by the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe, under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (grant agreement No. 101305266).