Queenslanders encouraged to get involved in National Science Week

12 Aug 2019

Queensland science enthusiasts will be in their element with hundreds of events being held as part of National Science Week starting today.

National Science Week is about engaging everyone across Australia – students, scientists and families – to learn about the wonders of science and technology. This is the week to highlight all of the great science happening in Queensland and recognise how it is helping us to better understand the world around us. 

There are more than 200 events happening across Queensland this week, and include everything from learning about the causes of cancer in a world-first cancer-themed escape room, to becoming a citizen scientist for the day by helping to collect CoralWatch data at Orpheus Island off Townsville. In Maryborough, more than 2500 school students will take part in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) educational activities including how to code their own apps and computer games, and how to build and fly micro-drones.

Queensland Museum Network would be celebrating National Science Week across its facilities in Townsville, Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane with pop up museums, roving scientists, space talks, a sleepover at the museum and science comedy debates in a mix of free and ticketed activities. NASA – A Human Adventure, the most comprehensive and extensive touring space flight exhibition in the world, is showing exclusively at Queensland Museum, South Bank, at the moment. 

Queenslanders are encouraged to get involved in the fantastic events happening right across the state. Jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) are the jobs of the future, with employment in this sector growing two times faster than other occupations. Events like National Science Week are important in helping people get engaged and enthusiastic about science and the career opportunities in this sector, to reflect on the impact science has had on improving their lives and wellbeing, and to consider improving their STEAM skills.

In Queensland, there will be a range of activities including the Brisbane Science Festival at Southbank from 16-18 August, a community event in Longreach and STEM workshops and lectures held in libraries on the Gold Coast, Dalby and Chinchilla, as well as our Regional STEM Pop-up in Maryborough. 

To find out more about activities in your area, visit the National Science Week website at https://www.scienceweek.net.au/