Oh my goodness, it’s happening! WE’RE SO EXCITED!!!
There are hundreds of events being hosted around the country over this week, but if you’re keen for some science this weekend, check out some of these activities.
Make sure to tag us @Aus_ScienceWeek on Twitter or @NationalScienceWeek on FB, and use the #scienceweek to let us know what you’re attending.
Fun for kids
My Mad Scientist Mummy – play school style
Saturday 15 August, 12:30 – 1:00pm
Wondering how to introduce your little ones to science? Trying to find something to keep them occupied this weekend? Why not join Dr Rina and her fluffy lab assistant Seto for an interactive storytime, perfect for toddlers – five year olds. Dr Rina will introduce young minds to science in a delightful and educational way as well as introduce your children to experiments, a scavenger hunt and a sing-along! For more information and how to join in, check out the website.
Stories for budding scientists – That’s RAD! Science
Saturday 15 August, 4:00 – 4:30pm
There are lots of different types of scientists, but have you ever heard of a parasite scientist? Professor Kathy Andrews studies all kinds of weird and wonderful things including head-lice and parasites found in poo! Join in for this half-hour session to introduce budding young scientists to different types of science. You’ll get to hear some fun facts, see funny cartoons and get some ideas for activities to do at home.
Pets and Parasites – a couch talk with a vet
Sunday 16 August, 4:00 – 4:30pm
Does your pet need another treat? While they would probably say yes, vet extraordinaire Dr Anna Donlan might say differently. Come along on Sunday to learn from Dr Anna what it takes to be a vet and how we can keep our pets safe! For all the details on how to join, check out the website.
Spirit Young Whale Warrior Competition – Spirit of Gold Coast
Saturday 15 August – Tuesday 15 September
Whale you’re trying to find some fun activities to get involved in this weekend, oh buoy do we have one for you! If you think the ocean is fintastic and know how to make a video, you should seas the day and join the Young Whale Warrior Competition. All the details for entering are on the website and the competition is open to Gold Coast Primary Schoolers who can win some cool prizes.
Women in STEM
Virtual Inspire in 5
Saturday 15 August 11:00am – 12:00pm; 1:00 – 2:00pm (AWST)
Are you interested in a career in STEM or what a scientist actually does in their day? Have you wondered about where technology might take us in the future or if anything you learn in maths is actually useful? Now you can hear from some incredible Women in Stem from the comfort of your own home who will be talking about their work and answering some of your questions.
Make sure to register online for your chance to join in. Though it’s hosted in WA, people from all over Australia are welcome.
Girls Day Out in STEM 2020 Online
Sunday 16 August, 9:00am – 4:00pm
For girls aged 10 – 14, there are a whole bunch of fun activities that you can do as part of the Girls Day Out in STEM 2020 – masterclasses, competitions, mentoring sessions and more! You can learn about lots of different types of science including chemistry, artificial intelligence, aquatic robotics and paramedicine, just to name a few.
Head over to the website to find out about all the amazing opportunities available on the day.
MIFF Talks – Stories from Leadership: Women in STEM
Sunday 16 August, 5:00 – 6:00pm
A chance to hear from three groundbreaking women in STEM, learn about the Antarctic and see a discussion moderated by an award-winning journalist with the ABC? Get excited for Sunday night when you can finally view this video.
Robogals Science Challenge
Wednesday 5 – Monday 31 August
Do you enjoy exploring science and trying out different experiments? Do you like talking about science? Do you feel up for a challenge? Open to female and gender-diverse students aged 5 – 15, the Robogals Science Challenge provides a series of mini projects for you to complete, leading up to the final MAJOR CHALLENGE. You can complete these challenges by yourself or with a friend or parent! To find out more and sign-up, check out the website.
Fun for the whole family
Gold Coast Libraries – The secret life of a nudibranch and Get the Gold Coast Reef Lowdown
Saturday 15 August, 10:30 – 11:30am; 12:00 – 1:00pm
The Gold Coast Libraries are offering a tonne of activities as part of their Science of the Sea program this National Science Week, including two on Saturday. Join in online to learn about the fascinating and colourful nudibranchs (are they actually nude?) and how you can protect our beautiful coral reefs. Everyone is welcome, so make sure you check out these, and the rest of the Gold Coast Library programs, online.
Cross Stitch a Cell with a Real Biologist
Saturday 15 August, 3:00 – 4:00pm
Is it possible to cross-stitch science? With the help of National Science Week and artist, Rachel James, yes it is. Learn how to cross-stitch cells and then learn more about them with a biologist to help explain what the cells are and how they work. All levels of cross-stitchers welcome, so if you’ve always wanted to try but don’t know where to start, now’s your chance.
Brisbane Science Festival
Saturday 15 August, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Monday 17 – Friday 21 August, 10:00 – 11:00am
Are you in the mood for some Spectacular Science this weekend? Join in on Saturday at 4pm for a LIVE show with Science Steve and make sure to check out other Brisbane Science Festival offerings every weekday over National Science Week at 10am. They’ll make you think and show you lots of fun DIY science activities for you to try at home! For more information and instructions on how to join in, check out the website.
Rocket Science in a Bottle
Sunday 16 August, 2:00 – 3:00pm
How do rockets work? Is it possible to make a rocket, just using items you can find in your home? Join Robogals Canberra and ANU Rocketry as they guide you through how to make a rocket at home! Make sure to sign-up in advance so you can attend on the day.
Scouting @ Home STEM Camp
Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 August
This fun-filled weekend ‘camp’ is for Scout groups, families or anyone at home. Join in for fun STEM challenges, citizen science opportunities, a science quiz and a community-based photo scavenger hunt. Everyone’s welcome, so come along.
UTAS Derby: Ready…Set…Race!
Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 August
Do you have the need…the need for speed? Through this series of videos, you can learn how to build a model car and test track from materials you can find around your house. Check out the event online for more information.
Fun for adults
Coffee in the Studio
Saturday 15 August, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Are science and art linked? Can scientists and artists collaborate? Can scientists be artists? Come along to Coffee in the Studio to hear conversations between scientists and artists, how they can work together and how they can improve each-others work. Keep an eye on Coffee in the studio, as they have 3 more events over National Science Week to explore other aspects of art and science.
DIY Lactofermentation workshop with Dr Erin
Saturday 15 August, 11:00am – 12:00pm
You can buy some delicious fermented vegetables from the store, but can you make them at home? With the help of Dr Erin McKenney and National Science Week, now you can. Join Dr McKenney as she walks you through the history and science of lactic acid fermentation and helps you set up your own ferments. Make sure you sign-up using the website.
