Youngsters will learn how to tell the time using a ‘floral clock’ in the last of a series of events celebrating the birth, 300 years ago, of Carl Linnaeus one of the world’s most influential scientists.
A series of workshops, exhibitions and competitions celebrating Linnaeus' legacy have been organised by the University of Aberdeen's Natural History Centre over the spring and summer months.
The final event, which runs from Monday to Friday next week (Aug 13-17), will explore the exploits of Linnaeus and other plant hunters, who risked their lives traversing the globe for plants of economic and medicinal value.
Youngsters will be able to follow a trail of plants in the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens based on the discoveries of Linnaeus and other famous plant hunters, including Aberdeen's very own Francis Masson.
Marie Fish, education officer at the Natural History Centre, said the trail was a tribute to the bravery of the plant hunters, many of them Scots, who overcame terrible dangers in their quest.
"They had to endure everything from wild bears to malaria carrying mosquitoes in order to bring back wonderful plants that we now see and enjoy everyday around our city," she said.
"These men, including Aberdeen's own Francis Masson, were huge characters. They travelled thousands of miles on foot, were often attacked or robbed, were at the mercy of extreme weather and they were often in danger of being tortured and killed in local wars or uprisings."
For younger children there is a 'Mr Flower Power's Floral Clock' trail based on flowers that Linnaeus noted as opening and closing at regular times each day. Inside the Natural History Centre are other interactive displays and a range of craft activities.
And in the Zoology Museum will be a trail highlighting the work Linnaeus' produced on the naming of animals and plants - his greatest contribution to modern Science still used today.
Marie added: "Linnaeus celebrations have been taking place all over the world and it is wonderful that we've been able to play our part in helping a new generation understand his work and legacy."
The events, which are free, are suitable for families and children and will run at the Natural History Centre from 1-4pm all next week (Aug 13-17).