It’s National Science Week! And it may come as a surprise, but that is not only good news for 10-year-old Scienceworks enthusiasts. There are a lot of events on that no Melburnian in his or her 20s should miss. So drop your beaker and your lab coat, and get out there.
Here are some of our favourites:
1. Build a time machine
“Tardis materialising” by Spielbrick Films CC
Is Doctor Who your spirit animal and do you dream of living in your own Tardis? Einstein and Hawking might doubt your dreams, but all good ideas started with brainstorming. This class will get you thinking about the physics of time travel while attempting to build a model of a time machine.
When? Sunday, August 23, 11am to 12:30pm
Where? Captain Melville, 34 Franklin Street, Melbourne
The event is part of Laneway Learning Science Spectacular, with other classes featuring “How to Become an Astronaut” and “The Science of Happiness”.
2. Host a neural knitwork
You won’t even have to leave the comforts of home for this unique happening. Invite all your friends for a cozy winter get together to knit and learn about neural science. Anyone who knits, crochets, designs, spins, weaves is invited. Once you have your friends and wool sorted, download one of the podcasts and start your event.
3. Write a prize-worthy science haiku
Photo: Caleb Roenigk CC
The “sci-ku” is a uniquely bizarre combination of science and poetry. Hosted by science channel RiAus, this competition is open for school students and anyone else interested. This year’s theme ties into UNESCO’s International Year of Light and Light Technologies.
Entries close on Sunday, August 23.
A little sci-ku to get your poetic mind working:
A photon’s journey
Illuminates its own path
At the speed of light
– Dr Paul Willis, RiAus Director
4. Get inside knowledge on taxidermy
Photo: Lewis Minor CC
The gloomy adult-only event “Smartbar – Get Stuffed” at Melbourne Museum gives insights to an industry most know little about: taxidermy. Why do museums still collect in the 21st century? The museum promises “demos, drinks, talks and a dash of digital media” that will make you think differently about taxidermy.
When? Thursday, August 20, 6 to 9:30pm
Where? Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens
5. Sit in the front row at Australia’s first e-fashion runway
What will clothing look like in the future? How do science and fashion add up? Not only will designers present their wearable technology and e-textiles in this “energised runway show”, visitors can also try wearing the brand-new items in a hands-on lab after the show.
When? Saturday, August 22, 2 to 5pm
Where? RMIT University Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 1
6. Discover the maths behind The Simpsons
Photo: Nathan Bittinger CC
Ever wonder why The Simpsons was so successful? Simon Pryor, from the Mathematical Association of Victoria, believes the secret is highly scientific and he is willing to share it with you. Let him take you on a mathematical tour of Springfield in this first episode of the public lecture series by the association.
When? Sunday, August 23, 12:30 to 1:30pm
Where? Library at the Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands
7. Finish it off with a spectacular light show
Photo: Good Eye Might CC
What would a light-themed science week be without a light show? Let’s be honest, you cannot wait to release your inner child and go on a trip to Scienceworks to watch their new “Light Spectacular High Voltage Show”. It will present to your eyes a festival of microwaves, radio waves and more from beyond the rainbow in a 30-minute live show.
When? Daily, 10am to 4:30pm, until December 31
Where? Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood
Featured image credit: Mars P. CC
