Last updated August 20, 2018 at 2:05 pm
Our daily guide for National Science Week in Australian Capital Territory.
It’s that time of year to get your science on – it’s National Science Week, the best week of the year for science-lovers.
There are thousands of events happening around Australia, but there’s no need to worry – we have the perfect National Science Week plan for the ACT.
National Science Week officially runs from 11 – 19 August.
Saturday 11 August
Science in ACTion
Come and experience real life Science in ACTion! This interactive science fair is a free event for science enthusiasts of all ages. Over 50 stallholders from local STEM organisations will be there to engage you with hands on activities that showcase how science is used every day in their work. Highlights include structures made from mushrooms, and knit your own neuron.
Where: Old Bus Depot, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
When: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tickets: No booking required
More information: scienceweek.net.au/science-in-action-community-day
Sunday 12 August
Mt. Stromlo Observatory Site Tour
Take a walking tour of the Mount Stromlo Observatory and learn about one of Canberra’s oldest sites. Mount Stromlo Observatory has been carrying out astronomical observations for over 100 years and, prior to the 2003 firestorm, had grown from a small outpost of pioneering astronomers to one of the great observatories of the world. Pack a hat and a jacket, most of the tour is outdoors!
Where: Mount Stromlo Observatory, via Cotter Road, Weston Creek
When: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Tickets: $5.59, eventbrite.com.au/e/mt-stromlo-observatory-site-tour-tickets-42408335473
More information: scienceweek.net.au/mt-stromlo-observatory-site-tour
Monday 13 August
The Writing of Science
Professor Joan Leach from the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU discusses the importance of science communication, gives some examples of great science communication and science writing, and describes the impact of bad writing and communication on public understanding of, and engagement with science and scientists.
Where: Woden Library, Corinna Street, Phillip
When: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Tickets: free, bookings essential, eventbrite.com.au/e/the-writing-of-science-adults-16-woden-library-tickets-47155748112
More information: scienceweek.net.au/the-writing-of-science-woden-library
Tuesday 14 August
ABC Canberra Drive presents ‘Back to the Future’
Laura Tchilinguirian’s Drive program on ABC radio regularly unpacks the truths and inventive fabrications in films in Sci-Fi vs Reality with ANU astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker. Join them for a screening of the absolute best time-travel movie of all time, along with a post-film discussion.
Where: Arc Cinema, McCoy Circuit, Acton
When: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Tickets: free, bookings essential, shop.nfsa.gov.au/14Aug-BTTF
More information: scienceweek.net.au/abc-canberra-drive-presents-back-to-the-future
Wednesday 15 August
Indigenous Science Conversations
Join Indigenous researchers and advisors of the National Environmental Science Program at Questacon in Canberra for a conversation on Indigenous scientific knowledge and practice.
Where: Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
When: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and 5:45 PM – 8:30 PM
Tickets: free, bookings essential, eventbrite.com.au/e/indigenous-science-conversations-in-national-science-week-tickets-47651957287
More information: scienceweek.net.au/indigenous-science-conversations-session-1
Thursday 16 August
Mission to Space
What do you know about the space program? What is an orbit? How fast does something have to go to get into space and stay there? Join us as we explore basic concepts of space exploration and build our own LEGO® International Space Station! Simple and advanced building options are available depending on the skill of the participant. For children aged 7 and over.
Where: Belconnen Library, 12 Chandler Street, Belconnen
When: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets: free, no bookings required,
More information: scienceweek.net.au/mission-to-space-belconnen-library
Friday 17 August
Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking
Join Albert, the genius behind the übercoolest moustache in science, for a lecture like none you’ve ever attended. The eccentric theoretical physicist is accompanied by his two wives and mum on the piano, and by guest rapper MC Squared, as he quantum leaps us through two world wars, two theories of relativity, and the deployment of two very big bombs. Warning: features the wurst sausage joke ever.
Where: Japan Theatre, Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
When: 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Tickets: $13.75, eventbrite.com.au/e/albert-einstein-relativitively-speaking-tickets-47005136629
More information: scienceweek.net.au/albert-einstein-relativitively-speaking
Saturday 18 August
The Art and Chemistry of Egyptian Mummification
In recent years, the application of modern science has enabled us to literally see beneath the wrappings of Egyptian mummies. This public lecture discusses in details how ancient Egyptians used chemistry to preserve their dead in a unique mummification way.
Where: Ian Harding Conference Theatre, Building 24, 11 Kirinari Street, University of Canberra, Bruce
When: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Tickets: $5, raci.org.au/events/event/raci-act-branch-public-lecture
More information: scienceweek.net.au/the-art-and-chemistry-of-egyptian-mummification
Sunday 19 August
Game Plus Fest
Game Plus Fest is a celebration of game development and STEM. You’ll find stalls showcasing the work of game and STEM businesses in Canberra, plus short, focused, practical talks and workshops. We’re combining with the AIE Open Day to bring you more! Discover STEM, games, gamification, VR, AR and more – even learn how to make games yourself!
Where: B Block, Canberra Technology Park, 49 Philip Avenue, Watson
When: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tickets: No booking required
More information: scienceweek.net.au/game-plus-fest-national-science-week
