It’s that time of year again, when too much science is never enough. That’s right, National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology is on from 13-21 August.
Running each year in August, it features more than 1,000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
Thankfully this year isn’t quite as limited as 2021, and there are many more in-person events in addition to the online and DIY options. But where to begin?
Well, the the 2022 schools theme is Glass: more than meets the eye. So if you need resources, there’s plenty to help.
From the online options:
- From Swamp to Scrub: an interactive, science-packed journey from the wetlands of Centennial Parklands to the woodlands and scrub of Sydney’s biggest backyard, Western Sydney Parklands.
- What is it like working in the Australian nuclear science community? Five fabulous Women in Nuclear (WiN) Australia members will showcase what a day in the life of a member of the nuclear science community is like through a Twitter take over. Throughout the day you will be given a glimpse on how they got to where they are and what it is they do.
- What’s the Scoop with Poop at Taronga Zoo? One important measure of wildlife health is often what is left behind – SCAT. There’s no need to block your nostrils for this virtual deep dive into the fascinating world of poo and parasites.
- Indigenous Practices Meet Sustainable Fishing. Register to receive an exciting new video lesson and discover the science behind what makes the Lakes and Coorong fishery sustainable to a world-leading standard and how indigenous fishing practices continue today and are being safeguarded for the future.
- Amazing Spider Crabs of Nairm Virtual Tour. Take a virtual underwater tour of the Great Spider Crab aggregation in the heart of Nairm (Port Phillip Bay) and parts of the Great Southern Reef without getting wet.
- Aboriginal Rangers STEM & Cultural Restoration. Indigenous Rangers in Esperance, WA will present their scientific, research, and culturally sensitive conservation activities.
This is just a small selection that caught my eye, but there’s so much more: search for events near you and get out there!
And I said last year, if you like the lovely imagery on the Science Week website and all associated materials, James Hutson is the man responsible. He’s brilliant at what he does and a lovely human to boot.
I talked about this with Danny Hoyland on West Bremer Radio on 6 August 2022. Listen live each week: Saturday 7.40 am, West Bremer Radio.