Family-friendly events at National Science Week

Bring your family to hear about meteorite impacts from our Women in Physics Lecturer Associate Professor Katarina Miljkovic, begin your amateur astronomy journey by learning about what equipment you need, or hang out and chat about physics and other dark matters at the pub.

We’ve gathered a bunch physics-related events for you to enjoy:

Multiple locations

• National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip. Hear about the hunt for dark matter and present and future quantum technologies from a team of scientists and science communicators delivering presentations, hands-on activities and quizzes at schools and pubs throughout Australia. Multiple dates.  

ACT

•   Dark Matter in the Pub. Learn about mysterious dark matter by listening to eight short talks from astronomers, particle physicists, nuclear physicists, and engineers while you munch on snacks and enjoy a beverage. Sun 14 Aug.
• Rainbows in Science. Young LGBTQIA+ adults interested in science can meet and hear from LGBTQIA+ scientists and allies and experience a range of colourful STEMonstrations. Fri 19 Aug.

NSW

• Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern. Discover what Aboriginal astronomy can tell us about the night sky, hear about native flora in bush medicine, learn about sustainable living from more than 60,000 years of Indigenous culture, and more. Sat 20 Aug.
•  Physics in the Pub: Quantum Light, the Aurora and Prophecies. Enjoy physics comedy and quizzes over a pub grub and beer. Hosted by Dr Phil Dooley. Fri 26 Aug.

NT

• Sound of Silence – Karama Library , Casuarina Library and Darwin City Library. Little ones can explore vibrations, sound waves, and the physics behind sound when they play with unusual ‘instruments’ and sound makers. Wed 17 Aug.

QLD

• Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. Compete to create the longest optic fibre, use a laser cutter to cut your own key chains, make and use telescopes, and learn how glass and mirrors are made, at Yarrabilba State Secondary College.  Wed 17 Aug.
•  See Through Science. Budding scientists will have fun with hands-on activities and investigations that involve circuits, solar power, stargazing, and more.  Sat 20 Aug.

SA

• Introduction to Telescopes & Binoculars. Learn what beginner equipment you need for your first foray into astronomy and discover some of the mysteries of optics from astronomy educator Mary Adam. Wed 3 Aug.  
• Little Bang Hands-on Experiments at Port Pirie Library. The young and young at heart can get their hands dirty with experiments exploring magnetism, hydrodynamics, and more, as well as enjoy the futuristic exhibit ‘Bridge to Somewhere’. Mon 15 Aug.
• Phantastic Physics Show with Nitro Nat. Little ones can see eye-catching demonstrations that explore concepts about energy and forces. Sun 28 Aug.

TAS

•  Impacts! Rocks from space colliding with planets. Listen to what meteorite impacts tell us about the evolution of planets from our Women in Physics lecturer planetary scientist, Associate Professor Katarina Miljkovic. Tues 9 Aug.

VIC

• Scientists Assemble – The science of superheroes from screen to laboratory. Join astrophysicist Professor Alan Duffy as he discusses the science in some of the best (and worst) films ever made. Mon 15 Aug.
• Girls in STEM Quantum Computing research workshop. Senior high school students can get help in preparing a research presentation about quantum computing for the upcoming Kids’ Conference Australia. Tue 16 Aug.
• Unlocking the Universe’s Secrets with The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Listen to astronomers from Swinburne University describe the first images taken by the JWST and the potential secrets of the universe they reveal. Fri 19 Aug.

WA

• LEGO Club – Balloon Car. Kids can craft a LEGO car that will be attached to a balloon, which will explore the concepts of force and motion. Mon 15 Aug.
• Glass: More than meets the eye festival. Families can observe our closest star with a purpose-build solar telescope, chat with astrophysicists at the Astro3D stall, create a baby image of the universe, and more. Sat 20 Aug.

Check the official National Science Week website to explore more science-related activities.