New South Wales

'Observation', 'Revolution' and 'A Leap of Faith'

In 2009 Sydney Observatory received a National Science Week grant to produce 3 short plays with an aim of exploring scientific theory, social and gender issues in a humorous and informative way. Inspired by the International Year of Astronomy and Darwin 200, these plays were produced as short films, scripted and directed by Alana Valentine. The plays were presented live as part of the Ultimo Science Festival and the short films are now available on the Sydney Observatory website.

In the films, Galileo travels through time to engage with other significant scientists as they ponder their scientific discoveries. The dialogue is entertaining and stimulating as the characters bring to life these famous scientists, exploring their greatest observations as well as the sociology of science.

This is just one example of the diverse and inspiring activities that form National Science Week!

Galileo, Charles Darwin, Caroline Herschel and Isaac Newton discuss the marvels of science and discovery!

 

Key events in NSW in 2009

Ultimo Science Festival

The 4th Ultimo Science Festival bursts into life from 21-30 August 2009 with day and night events. There is something for everyone with family fun, talks, exhibitions and forums, plus a school activity program. It's not just for geeks, scientists and students... it's for EVERYBODY! 

The Ultimo Science Festival offers a huge range of things to hear, see and do during National Science Week. The Festival is held along Harris St in Ultimo, five minutes' walk from Sydney's Central Railway. The Ultimo Science Festival is presented by the Powerhouse Museum, the ABC, the University of Technology, Sydney and TAFE NSW and supported by the Australian Government and the City of Sydney.

Join the festival fun....

Hang out at the Big Night of Science at the Powerhouse Museum with talks, comedy, music and drinks to kick-start the festival - Friday 21 August from 6pm

Kids can crawl through a giant model of a tummy, complete with gurgling sound effects or build a mini alarm kit or lie-detector at the ABC Centre

Book in for the Festival Schools' Program - class groups can spend a full day of science along Harris St

Delve into the Dark Side of Science at our adults-only nights - where we immerse you in the science behind ... mind versus matter, pain and pleasure, fear and ecstasy. Lie down in a closed coffin while a polygraph tests your reaction; meet the spiders that are used to train arachnophobics through desensitising. Watch tattoo artists and body piercers at their craft. Hosted by Mistress Natasha Mitchell from ABC's All in the Mind.

•  Hear this year's International guest scientists
•  Inspect the UTS forensic science labs
•  Come along to public forums with the experts where you can quiz them with your own questions
•  See shows by The Surfing Scientist, The Stand up Mathematician and innovative new science theatre works
•  Let the young ones meet some live animals: Talk to a turtle, befriend a frog and pat a real python
•  Meet research scientists from UTS and other institutions for a one-to-one chat
•  Meet ABC science presenters from New Inventors and Catalyst
•  Talk to astronomers about the universe
•  Contemplate artworks inspired by science at TAFE NSW in the historic MUSE building
•  Try out a bed of nails and find out what's behind water-divining, card tricks and other illusions with the Skeptics
•  See the amazing crocheted a coral reef: a representation of hyperbolic space in wool ...

Inquiries: Tilly Boleyn ultimosciencefestival@gmail.com

 

Border Stargaze

Hosted by the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga, Border Stargaze is an exciting astronomy and science related event that compliments our regular school and public viewing programs. Border Stargaze appeals to amateur astronomers, individuals, groups and people of all ages. We will explore the night sky with the help of experienced amateur astronomers who will delight in taking you on a journey through the milky way. The event will include beginner and advanced astronomy workshops, visiting professional speakers, astronomers, social/business activities a mobile "CosmoDome" Planetarium and competitions.

When: 19 Aug 2009 10:00 AM - 23 Aug 2009 10:00 AM

Where: Wymah Valley Retreat,  RMB 204 Wymah Road, Bowna

Contact: David Chandler    borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au

 

Public Lecture – Professor Graeme Clark, pioneer of the Bionic Ear

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science in conjunction with the Faculty of Science at the University of Wollongong presents Professor Graeme Clark, poineer of the Bionic Ear – a multiple-channel Cochlear Implant in a Public Lecture at the Wollongong Science Centre & Planetarium on Wednesday 19th August 2009, as part of National Science Week.

Professor Clark will speak about the Bionic Ear and current bionics research from 11am to 11.30am followed by questions from the audience. This will be followed by a presentation of awards to prize winners in the "Bionics for 2020" High School Competition.

The event is free and open to all public. It will be of particular interest to students in high school and teachers in the field of Science, English, Creative Arts and Design.

Information about the Professor Clark and the Public Lecture, can be found on the Bionics for 2020 website at: www.electromaterials.edu.au

When: 11am - 1pm, Wed 19 August Where: Wollongong Science Centre & Planetarium Squires Way, Fairy Meadow, University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus Contact: Leanne Crouch    bionics-2020@uow.edu.au

 

 

Images of the fun at the 2008 Ultimo Science Festival!

Catalyst public forum	Mystery Investigators
Drinks at the Powerhouse	Ruben Meerman performing
Maths Olympics Comedy Show	ABC Radio live at the festival
Tour of the Tummy	Dr Paul Willis and Michael Shermer
Snag a Scientist	USF Car
Madlab	Killer python live on stage!