Australian Capital Territory
National Science Week in the ACT promises to go off with the biggest bang since the Big One. With so much to discover in the nation's capital, getting on board with National Science Week is a must for everyone!
Highlights across the nation's capital include:
Canberra Family Science Spectacular - 3 days of hands on fun and entertainment complete with dinosaurs, reptiles, many interactive experiments, shows and entertainment. Fri 12, Sat 13 and Sun 14 August
Treatment and Results of Body Trauma with Dr Fiona Wood
13 August 6.00pm at CSIRO Discovery.
Dr Fiona Wood is an Australian of the year, a living Australian treasure and a world leader in her field of research. She has pioneered scarless burn healing and synthetic skin. She has dealt with many disasters and in particular burn victims including those from the Bali bombings. Her discovery of synthetic skin also has saved many lives and reduced the pain and scarring in burn victims. Her research into the lesser known effects of trauma particularly in the longer term are fascinating and illuminating.
Forensic Dentistry with Dr David Griffith
Monday 15 August 5.00pm at CSIRO Discovery.
Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice. The evidence that may be derived from teeth, is the age (in children) and identification of the person to whom the teeth belong. This is done using dental records including radiographs, ante-mortem (prior to death) and post-mortem photographs and DNA. Forensic odontology is derived from Latin, meaning forum or where legal matters are discussed.
Genes Into Genes Workshop
Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 August (30 places only) at ANU.
Explore the amazing world of plant biology in this interactive workshop designed especially for students in Year 10-12. Technologies and techniques in molecular plant breeding are highlighted in hands-on workstations that investigate plant phenomics, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis and restriction enzymes.
Art Forensics 3D Facial Reconstruction
Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 August at National Portrait Gallery.
at National Portrait Gallery Dr Susan Hayes, School of Anatomy and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, presents Facial Reconstruction in the National Portrait Gallery – working from what we know about how the shape of the skull relates to muscles, fat and skin of the head and face. Beginning with a skull, participants will work in pairs to reconstruct the face from the skull. This heavily subsidised workshop led by Dr Susan Hayes will cost only $30 per person for the two day workshop.
Social Network Analysis as an Intelligence Technique - The Iranian Nuclear Weapons Program Revisited
16 August at ANU.
This presentation uses network analysis techniques to show how intelligence analysts can use readily available open-source information to map the networks of people of interest. As a case study, the Iranian Nuclear Weapons program will be used to demonstrate what can be revealed using such techniques.
Witch-hunters, Injustice and Superstition - How science and scepticism will benefit Africa
18 August at CSIRO Discovery.
Leo Igwe from the International Humanist and Ethical Union, will talk about how science and scepticism has been used to challenge irrational beliefs systems that have resulted in children being killed for being witches. He will also discuss the consequences of challenging such beliefs in Africa and the role science, scepticism and critical thinking can play in Africa’s future.
Café Scientifique - Nuclear or Not, Sustainable Energy for the Future
Friday 19 August at CSIRO Discovery.
Sustainable energy for the world and more specifically for Australia. How can we best ensure our future energy supply for an increasingly demanding society? Hear six experts give their varying views and then ask questions or give your own point of view.
Open Day @ Geoscience Australia
Sunday 21 August at Geoscience Australia
Discover what causes an earthquake, tsunami or find out why the outback is red. Pan for gold, experience an erupting volcano or take a walk through geological time. Tour the SHRIMP lab, the Australian Tsunami Warning Centre and explore science displays and activities all day.
The Skull Beneath the Skin: The Anatomical Art of Facial Reconstruction
Sunday 21 August at National Portrait Gallery.
Dr Susan Hayes, School of Anatomy and Human Biology, University of Western Australia discusses the intricate ways flesh and bones connect and combine to create unique individuals.
SCINEMA Festival of Science Film is coming to the Capital with a free family screening on the big screen in Garema Place - visit SCINEMA for more information.
Look for the ACT Region National Science Week program in the Saturday August 6 Canberra Times or zoom in on the ACT in the events map to see what is happening near you!
If you would like to become involved with the local ACT National Science Week committee or are thinking of holding an event in the ACT during National Science Week, please email us.