This National Science Week is the first of its kind and arrives at a time when there is increased pressure on science to answer the ‘Big Questions’. But science has been answering the Big Questions for a long time and it’s no different now. One of these big questions is in the future of genomic data…
Category: Science Week News
DIY Science: Jelly lenses
What you need: jelly (of one or more colours) a flat-based container cutting board knife torch hair comb What to do: Make some firm jelly in the container (use half the normal amount of water). Leave to set overnight. Turn the jelly out onto a cutting board and cut some lens shapes using a knife….
Science for Australians of all Abilities
National Science Week is a celebration around the country of all things SCIENCE. We want Australians of all abilities to be able to learn about, and be involved with, science so we’ve made a list of some of the events that are making science accessible for everyone. Upcoming events Making for all | Monday 17 – Friday 21 All day…
TAS: Meet Elizabeth Blackburn
Professor Emerita Elizabeth Blackburn: Nobel Prize Winner, Tasmanian From the beaches of Snug, Tasmania to the world stage, and now Patron of National Science Week Tasmania, Professor Emerita Elizabeth Blackburn has never lost her tendency to be deadly curious. Now based at the University of California, San Francisco, Professor Blackburn is a leader in…
Science Week is going swimmingly so far! Wondering what else you can sea?
Into the Deep Blue We’ve put together a list of Deep Blue ocean-themed events for you to check out for the rest of the week. There’s some stars in here, so fish around until you sea one to reel in. Make sure to tag us @Aus_ScienceWeek on Twitter or @NationalScienceWeek on FB, and use #scienceweek to let us know…
DIY Science: Pop rocket
What you need: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) water vinegar mixing cup and teaspoon film canister (they aren’t easy to find any more – ask for some used ones from your local camera store) What to do: Place one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in the cup. Add a few drops of water and mix to form…
National Science Week in 2020 – a year of differences
This year has been a little bit different for everyone – in Australia we have gone through a lot and no-one could have predicted when the first National Science Week grant round was open for applications in October 2019, what the world would look like in August 2020. It has required a lot of creativity…
DIY Science: Mpemba effect
What you need: water thermometer timer measure, glass tumblers and a freezer What to do: Accurately measure a known amount (eg 50 mL) of water into each of two glasses. The water in one glass should be a different temperature from the other (eg lukewarm and recently boiled). Measure and record the temperature of the…
Sharing Stories of Science
Who do you see when you look at these images? The Science Activity Characters show people engaging with a range of science-related activities. Last year, the Australian Academy of Science worked with the Science Week team to share real stories of Australian science to bring these characters to life. For National Science Week 2020, there…
DIY Science: Calculate the speed of light
What you need: a microwave oven two blocks of chocolate (about 4 mm thick) a plate, three ramekins and a ruler What to do: Look on the oven’s compliance plate (inside the door or on the back) and note the microwave frequency (it’s usually 2450 MHz). Remove the turntable from the microwave. Put three ramekins…