Published on the 9th August 2024 by ANSTO Staff
Just under 250 schools in Australia and one school in Malaysia will participate in a series of science-based competitions to coincide with National Science Week in 2024.
The Education team at ANSTO has organised three events for primary through high school students to explore ‘Species Survival’ the theme of National Science Week.
“The response to our programs is growing every year. 2024 is a standout for the level of interest, which is the reason we do this. Sharing the wonder of science and its power to address some of the challenges Australia and the world are facing is one of the best ways to attract kids to STEM subjects, “said Rod Dowler, National Education and Engagement Manager.
“Our new virtual reality headsets, which we took to the Science Alive festival in Adelaide, also help create some excitement as students could visit the OPAL multipurpose reactor in 3D.” Over the course of three days, more than 2,500 students and members of the general public participated in the five-minute experience.
The major competitions include our Hackathon – a three-day online event where 30 schools will be set a design challenge to explore species in their local area and to develop innovative solutions for their long-term sustainability.
The Think Science Competition encourages primary and secondary school students to conduct an investigation using the Science Inquiry skills from the Australian Curriculum and document their findings in a video. Currently 130 schools have registered.
The 2024Shorebirds Competition – Flight for Survival – is a primary school competition in which students learn about shorebirds in a wetland or coastal area near their homes and then create a postcard by hand. At the present 100 schools have registered for this competition. Many of the schools are located in rural and regional part of Australia and from all states.
“We are excited about a new program, Auslan X, an event that enables hearing impaired students to experience powerful and entertaining science stories and science demonstrations in the Auslan language,” said Rod.
The event will be held on 17 August at the University of Sydney.
Other events during Science Week include hosting the Victor Chang Science Awards at ANSTO for Sutherland, Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs. Approx 150 students and parents attending ceremony in AINSE Theatre at Lucas Heights on 14 August.
On 15 August, ANSTO is joining the Government Science Group Science Week Event in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra. ANSTO will have a booth and accelerator scientist, Dr Madhura Manohar, will be speaking about her research to support the aerosol sampling program.
A special presentation has been organised for the general public at Monash Library. Instrument scientist Dr Eleanor Campbell and – Senior Scientific Software Engineer Clinton Roy will be speaking.
The following week, ANSTO is supporting a major event, National Youth STEM Summit for tertiary students or trainees ready to kickstart their career in science and technology in Canberra. Eleisa Cajna from Human Resources will be sharing information about career opportunities at ANSTO.
Visit the National Science Week website at ScienceWeek.net.au to find local and online events, virtual experiences and activities you can do in your own home—from art to Indigenous astronomy, chemistry to climate change, and forensics to future food.
The 2024 schools theme, Species Survival, is more than just sustainability. Students will explore the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and thriving of different species in an ever-changing world.
For Science Week 2024, ABC Science is exploring the dark night sky and the impact of light pollution on science, creatures and culture in an event. People can step outside and stargaze, and go online to learn more and vote for their favourite celestial body, constellation, or other night sky object.
National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest festivals and was first held in 1997. Last year about 2.7 million people participated in more than 1,860 events and activities.
National Science Week is the annual opportunity for Australians from all walks of life to meet scientists, do science, discuss the hot topics, and celebrate discoveries
