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Students gear up for a week of science

News bulletin: 12 August 2009

National Science Week invites teachers and students to immerse themselves in the wonders of science, technology and engineering.

In Victoria, a range of events have been organised for students that explore a variety of themes relating to science and innovation, including: a comedy show on science, a film presentation on microorganisms, a workshop on the science of food and a museum tour that explores the natural living world.

The week will kick off on Friday 14 August with Hypothesis, a free night of comedy, talk, cabaret and film at BMW Edge, Federation Square.

The schedule for the night includes:

  • Science - Fact or Fiction?: a panel of stand-up comedians and museum scientists will grapple with some of the most slippery ideas in science.
  • Scale Free Network: live micro-monsters beamed from the Yarra River with close-up views of butterfly tongues and poetry hidden on a $10 note.
  • The Radical Chemists: examine 3D molecules that our noses and tongues detect when we eat and drink.
  • Astro Tour: a 3D Virtual Tour of the Universe
  • Speed Meet a Geek: get the chance to meet some of Melbourne’s most charming scientists.

The show will run from 5:30 – 10:00pm and the program is designed for audiences over 15 years of age. For more information on the Hypothesis program schedule, see: National Science Week 

Science activities will take place at many individual schools and community centres Victoria-wide. For information on individual events in your district, see: National Science Week – find an event

A range of free events will also run in Melbourne. These include:

  • Open house at Melbourne Museum – Saturday 15 August
    Meet the experts, walk with dinosaurs, visit the blue whale, explore the secrets of the oceans and forests at the Melbourne Museum open house.
  • Living science at the Queen Victoria Market – Sunday 16 August
    A free event featuring science cooking workshops, DNA extractions, food science presentations, hands-on science activities and much more.
  • Meet NASA astronaut – Tuesday 18 August
    A free event, at RMIT, where students can meet NASA astronaut Megan McArthur and hear about life as an astronaut and NASA's plans for the future. Registrations are recommended.

For more information on these free events, see: National Science Week