National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science and our scientists, starts today. Running through until 20 August, the calendar offers something for everyone across the entire state.
On Saturday 12 August, Sydneysiders can head to the Rhodes Science Fair, which brings stimulating science and technology to the whole family; or to Sydney Park in St Peters, to visit the thriving Sydney City Farm to talk to biodiversity experts and local Indigenous knowledge holders; or visit Castle Hill for a family day of science demonstrations, talks and activities at the Powerhouse Museum Castle Hill.
On Sunday, 13 August, head to Lizard Log at Western Sydney Parklands for an all-day program of science shows, stalls and workshops in a fabulous outdoor setting. Or for those on the South Coast, get training in the citizen science observation and data collection app iNaturalist then practise your new skills in the beautiful Bega River reserve.
In regional NSW, local communities working with universities, galleries and libraries are behind activities from Armidale to Yass, and from Kyogle to Wagga Wagga, on topics as diverse as the black swans of the Murrumbidgee River, to the people behind the burgeoning Australian space industry, from the scientific research behind harnessing the technology of waves for coastal science, to Indigenous science, Aboriginal astronomy and song-line connections.
On Saturday 12 August you can travel to outside Cowra for Wyangala, a First Nations culturally led science program on a beautiful property on the Kalari (Lachlan) River. Or for locals in Gloucester, a felting workshop draws inspiration from the biodiversity of the Gloucester and Barrington Tops region. Or visit the University of Wollongong Shoalhaven campus outside Nowra for a day or activity including how to make Lego robots.
“National Science Week raises awareness about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and aims to inspire all members of the community, including our bright young minds, to be curious, ask questions, connect directly with researchers from all the scientific disciplines, and celebrate the achievements of our scientific community,” said NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte.
There are over 150 in-person events across NSW this year, as well as many events, competitions and activities online that are free for all.
Indigenous knowledge features in several events that engage with First Nation communities. These include a full day of activities hosted by the Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern Community Centre, live interactive webinars that will provide participants with a deeper knowledge and understanding of First Nations scientific and technological development, a panel with the Gamay Rangers of the Botany Bay area exploring their contribution to research and the First Nations program at Wyangala, outside Cowra, exploring indigenous astronomy and the impact of recent flooding of the Kalari River.
National Science Week is an initiative of Inspiring Australia NSW aimed at promoting partnerships and collaborations across the science sector and building on the myriad science engagement activities across the country. In NSW it is supported by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer and hosted at the University of Sydney. Browse the online program to find events in your area.