About National Science Week in Victoria
National Science Week is a Federal Government initiative which began in 1997. It aims to raise the profile of the role of science, technology and innovation in maintaining and improving our society, economy, and the environment and in doing so, increase the public's understanding and appreciation of this role.
In 2008, our Committee aims to provide more opportunities for scientists, industry and the Victorian public to learn together in National Science Week. National Science Week is an opportunity for all Victorians to take part in a range of events and activities about science, technology and engineering. Whether you are a teacher, employer, student or just someone interested in science, there are so many ways to get involved. Why not showcase the science at your organisation? Or else just sit-back and enjoy what our State has to offer.
Whatever you choose, wherever you are, don’t miss out on National Science Week in Victoria.
Interactive Microscope Drawing Exhibition, 16 & 17 August, 1-3pm
Combining science and art, this event explores the amazing world of the micro-scale. Featuring an exhibition of children’s drawings, hands-on microscope displays, live micro-beasts and individual and collaborative drawing. For scientists and artists of all ages!
University of Melbourne OPEN DAY Sunday 17 August
The University of Melbourne is a proud sponsor of National Science Week (Victoria). Open Day at the University is a great opportunity to enjoy the following National Science Week events, while exploring course options for study at the University of Melbourne, one of Australia’s leading universities.
Why Darwin Matters, 10.30-11.30am, Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sydney Myer Asia Centre
International guest world famous skeptic, Dr Michael Shermer, kicks off his national tour in Melbourne at Open Day, with this lecture …..
Tauromancy Exposed, 11.30-12 noon, Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sydney Myer Asia CentreSpider-lover and skeptic, Lynne Kelly, demonstrates the tools of trade of numerologists, taromancers, psychics and astrologers. What are the real tools that will help determine our future? Also appearing at Living Science at the Market.
The Maths Olympics, 1-1.30pm, Carillo Gantner Theatre, Sydney Myer Asia Centre
Direct from the Comedy Festival, Simon Pampena, the stand-up mathematician, returns to his old University with National tour highlights.
The Great Big Science Gig 08, 2.30-3pm, Open Day Stage
National Tour highlights including sights, songs and demonstrations.
Science at the Redback with host Natasha Mitchell, Monday 18 August, 7pm
ABC Radio National’s All in the Mind show host talks with Dr Shermer about his latest book, The Mind and the Market.
Great Big Science Gig 2008 Friday 22 August, 7pm
Life in the lab need not be a secret. Great music, great demonstrations and great science have been the hallmarks of Great Big Science Gig for five years. So after sell-out shows in 2007, it’s time to get your annual fix the way nature probably didn’t intend. Join the gang as they tour Australia throughout August as part of National Science Week. Check out their http://www.csiro.au/events/greatbigsciencegig.html for more details.
Museum Victoria events – at Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks
Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks are celebrating National Science Week with a variety of free lectures, events and activities. Visit http://museumvictoria.com.au/ for program details.
Living Science at Victoria Market, Sunday 17 & 24 August, 9am-3pm
Films, forums, frivolity and the future. As National Science Week celebrates and explores the world of science and innovation, join us to find out about how science is challenge of meeting the world’s growing food and energy needs. Enjoy some sweet tooth science, uncover cheese secrets, peer into possible futures and discover DNA. Supervised hands-on activities for children all day, as well as a series of moderated forums for adults, nutrition food tours for foodies and engaging performances.
Invite a Scientist to Dinner!
This year we are offering limited opportunities for you to ‘Invite a Scientist’ to Dinner/Lunch/coffe, to talk about a subject of interest to you. You may be a school, community group or family – send us a plan of what you would like to do and we will help you find an interesting and engaging expert, we will also help you with some catering. This is a great way for you to get something for yourselves out of National Science Week, and a terrific way for our scientists to learn from their communities. A Committee run event, please see contact details below.
Venue: Your school, your community rooms, your kitchen table
Community Events
Events are staged throughout Victoria, return to the home page of this website and use the ‘Events Search’ to find an event that may interest you.
Contacts
For all enquiries, contact
Helen Gardiner
Chair, National Science Week Victorian Coordinating Committee
c/o CSIRO Education
PO Box 56
Highett, Victoria 3190
p 03 8344 2055
m 0448 920 235
f 03 9252 6256
e hg@unimelb.edu.au
Secretariat 03 9252 6472
State partners
ABC Melbourne
CSIRO
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Science Teachers Association of Victoria
University of Melbourne