Hands On Science Experiments
2019-07-15 16:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Sydenham Library, 1 Station Street, Taylors Lakes, VIC, 3038, Australia
Come and take part in a range of hands on science experiments and explore the world of STEM.
For children ages 5-12.

Gardening Soils with pH Testing
2019-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Rosebud Library, McDowell Street, Rosebud, VIC, Australia
Bring a jar of soil from home and learn how to manage the soil pH levels in your organic garden. You will have the opportunity to test your soil and optimise the health of your garden.

Young Inventors Club: Mornington Library
2019-07-18 16:00 - 17:00 | VIC
Young inventors
The young inventors is a project based learning program that provides a hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math opportunity to budding young inventors. They will be using LittleBits and Micro:BBC boards to invent objects such as a self driving art machine or a cardboard inch worm.
This is a 6 week program on Thursdays 4pm – 5pm. You should be able to attend all 6 sessions, as the course is progressive with each week building on the previous week’s contact.

Suitable for ages 8-12.
Places are limited and bookings are essential
Bookings Essential

Moonhack
2019-07-20 07:00 - 2019-07-26 17:00 | Online, Australia
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing by building your own space-themed game.
Get together with your friends, download the step-by-step instructions, and learn to code your own game.
In 2018 we broke the record for the most kids coding in a single day. Help us break the record again in 2019.
Make sure to register your participation and then submit your participation numbers between 20-26 July! (You can still participate after the 26th, but your numbers won’t count towards the record.)

Space: 50 years since man first stepped on the moon
2019-07-20 10:00 - 2019-09-08 16:00 | Gippsland Art Gallery, 70 Foster Street, Sale, VIC, Australia
Space celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing (20 July) with an exhibition that examines humankind’s longstanding fascination with space and space travel. The exhibition explores the romance of space through visual culture produced in the lead up to and aftermath of the Moon landing. The works will span the furthest reaches of the human imagination to the reality of space travel.
Original photographs from NASA of the Moon landing take pride of place, together with contemporary artists who respond to the unknown of space. This engaging and timely exhibition will feature many borrowed works in addition to works from the Gippsland Art Gallery’s own collection. Each piece will help build a comprehensive understanding of our cultural fixation with space through art, with many of those requested destined to become exhibition highlights.

iPad and iPhone tips, tricks, hidden features
2019-07-20 15:00 - 16:30 | Fitzroy Library, 128 Moor Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
Phones and iPads can be really easy to use, but lots of their useful features are easy to miss. Bring your iPhone or iPad along for tips, tricks and hidden features that can help you get the most out of your device. Bookings essential.

Footsteps on the Moon
2019-07-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood, VIC, 3015, Australia
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing
Saturday 20 July, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first time humans walked on the Moon.
This remarkable event was a watershed in human history and a technological achievement of astounding proportions: the mission went to the Moon and back with less computing power than a modern smart phone.
Celebrate this feat of human ambition and ingenuity with our special event featuring expert talks, Planetarium shows, VR experiences of the ISS, an Apollo 11 photography exhibition, telescope viewing (weather permitting) and more.
Please note: the panel discussion is in an undercover outdoor venue so will likely be very cold – please dress appropriately.
Tickets: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/footsteps-on-the-moon/tickets/
Schedule

When
What
Where

6pm
Doors open
Planetarium entrance

6.15pm–6.45pm
Capcom Go! Planetarium show
Planetarium

7pm–8pm
Panel discussion
Amphitheatre (outside, undercover)

8.15pm–8.45pm
Capcom Go! Planetarium show
Planetarium

9pm
Event ends

Activities
Expert panel discussion
7pm–8pm | Amphitheatre (outside, undercover – bring warm clothes!)
Moderated by science journalist and broadcaster Robyn Williams, we will hear from the Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark, Associate Professor Alan Duffy and Dr Gail Iles on the Apollo 11 mission and Australia’s involvement, and the excitement of looking forward to humanity’s future in space exploration.
Planetarium screening – Capcom Go! ($5 surcharge)
6.15pm–6.45pm or 8.15pm–8.45pm | Planetarium
This immersive, historical documentary showcases the achievements of the Apollo program and what it took to put the first human on the Moon. It introduces a new generation to the immense challenges they overcame and will inspire them to become the explorers, designers, engineers, thinkers and dreamers of the future.
Apollo 11 photography exhibition
All evening | Planetarium foyer
Explore the story of the Apollo 11 mission through gorgeous images taken by the astronauts themselves.
Telescope viewing (weather permitting)
All evening | Arena
See the stars for yourself with our telescopes and binoculars, guided by knowledgeable astronomy volunteers.
Earthlight: Spacewalk VR experience
All evening | Planetarium foyer
Experience what it’s like to be an astronaut as you visit the International Space Station. Learn how to realistically move in zero gravity, how to use real astronaut tools, ride the station’s robotic arm and see the most breathtaking views of Earth from orbit.
First in best dressed! Come early for this one – we expect there to be queues…
Drinks and eats
All evening | Elements café
Galactic cocktails, local beers, and delicious treats available all night for purchase.
Speakers
Robyn Williams AM – panel moderator
Robyn Williams is a science journalist and broadcaster who has hosted the Science Show on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation since 1975. He’s the only journalist to be elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences, and is the holder of five honorary doctorates. Robyn Williams was elected a National Living Treasure by the National Trust and even had a star named after him by the Sydney Observatory.
Dr Megan Clark AC
Dr Megan Clark is Head of the Australian Space Agency, spearheading the Agency’s establishment as Chair of the Expert Reference Group into the Review of Australia’s Space Industry Capability. As Head of Agency, she is responsible for overall governance and performance, management, policy leadership and strategic direction. Dr Clark was Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) from 2009 to 2014. She holds a BSc from the University of Western Australia and a PhD from Queen’s University, Canada. In 2014, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Associate Professor Alan Duffy
Associate Professor Duffy is an astrophysicist at Swinburne University and Lead Scientist of the Royal Institution of Australia, home of Australia’s Science Channel. He is a regular media commentator on all things astronomy and space science. His efforts bringing the latest science to broad audiences have seen him be awarded the Victorian Tall Poppy Award and the national Eureka prize for Promoting Understanding of Australian Science.
Dr Gail Iles
Dr Gail Iles is a former astronaut trainer who has earned a medal for her many hours spent experimenting in zero gravity aboard the Novespace Airbus A300 (or ‘vomit comet’ as it is sometimes affectionately called). She is passionate about inspiring people about science and space, especially in her role teaching RMIT physics and engineering students. Gail chairs the Victorian branch of the Australian Institute of Physics and is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
FAQs
What if there is rain or clouds?
It is the fate of the astronomer to be at the mercy of the weather and unfortunately we are unable to control the rain and clouds. The event will go ahead and in the case of inclement weather, however telescope viewing will not be available. Note that the panel discussion is outside (but undercover), so please dress appropriately – it is likely to be very cold.
Where will the panel discussion be held?
In Scienceworks’ amphitheatre, which is outside, but undercover. Please dress in warm clothes as it will be very cold outside.
Can children attend?
This event has been curated for an adult audience. People under 18 can still purchase a ticket to attend, however please keep in mind there are no activities for children. The event is most suitable for people 16+.
Is the planetarium included in the ticket?
No. The planetarium is a $5 surcharge in addition to your entry ticket.
Tickets: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/footsteps-on-the-moon/tickets/

Sunday Family Program: The Great Gut Microbe Hunt
2019-07-21 11:00 - 2019-09-15 15:00 | Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
Discover how amazing our bodies really are at Melbourne Museum on Sundays during Term Three as we search for microbes and anything else you might find in your tummy. Design your own ‘microbe mobile’ and see what beautiful things live inside your gut.
Suitable for ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free with Museum entry.

Towards an Electronic Prescription? The 2019 Graeme Clark Oration
2019-07-22 18:15 - 19:30 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, Melbourne, VIC, 3006, Australia
Speaker: Professor Timothy Denison
Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies
Department of Engineering Science, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit
Oxford University
Professor Timothy Denison presents the opportunities and challenges for interfacing electrical and biological circuits for the treatment of disease.
When treating diseases of the nervous system, doctors have generally relied on drug discoveries. But uncovering new pharmaceutical treatments can be a risky and lengthy process, and diseases of the central nervous system have proven especially challenging. With the significant personal and societal costs incurred by these disorders, there is an imperative to explore alternative approaches to treatment.
Bioelectronics is the concept of interfacing directly with the body’s own nervous system to monitor physiological signals and, as needed, modulate the electrical activity within the nervous system to alleviate symptoms of diseases. The first generation of bioelectronic systems are now treating a number of disorders, with perhaps the most familiar being cardiac pacemakers that aim to maintain a healthy heart rhythm. Pacing systems are deployed in hundreds of thousands of patients today, and reinforce the potential for bioelectronic medicine to restore health.
Expanding bioelectronics to neurological disorders like epilepsy, chronic pain and dementia is an exciting but challenging opportunity. Despite the clinical success in treating symptoms of diseases like Parkinson’s, existing bioelectronic systems have several attributes that currently limit their adoption. For example, currently a skilled neurosurgeon is required to place the implant, and the device’s output is relatively inflexible in contrast to the rapidly changing and reactive activity of the nervous system. Resolving these issues requires the complementary pursuit of technological innovation and scientific discovery.
For technology, the microelectronics-enabled flexibility of bioelectronic systems creates opportunities for both research and medical device design. Digital technology is adaptable for addressing various diseases, as well as for fine-tuning to patient-specific needs. In the future, sensor- and algorithm-enabled systems might rapidly respond to physiological fluctuations within the body, allowing the possibility of building restorative prosthetics that serve as a surrogate nervous system. In addition, the algorithms used to operate the bioelectronics can “evolve” with our scientific understanding of the nervous system. But to fully realize this potential, we first need a better understanding of how the nervous system functions and responds to therapeutic interventions.
To this end, bioelectronic platforms are also being used as a unique window into the brain. This window allows access for gathering data on how the nervous system functions, and then goes awry due to disease. Clinician-researchers can then characterize the response of the nervous system to drugs and stimulation to better understand how more “neurotypical” function might be restored.
The flexibility of bioelectronics allows for a breadth of therapies to be explored with these scientific toolkits. High-impact, problematic clinical needs are currently being explored in human volunteers, including postural instability in Parkinson’s disease, seizure prediction and prevention in epilepsy, and emotional and sensory processing in chronic pain and depression. The breadth of these studies reflects the diversity of challenges created by neurological disorders, but also the hope that bioelectronic systems can help address them.
About the Speaker:

Professor Timothy Denison holds a join appointment in Engineering Science and Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford, where he explores the fundamentals of physiologic closed-loop systems in collaboration with the Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit.
Prior to that, Tim was a Technical Fellow at Medtronic PLC and Vice President of Research & Core Technology for the Restorative Therapies Group, where he helped oversee the design of next generation neural interface and algorithm technologies for the treatment of chronic neurological disease. In 2012, he was awarded membership to the Bakken Society, Medtronic’s highest technical and scientific honor, and in 2014 he was awarded the Wallin leadership award, becoming only the second person in Medtronic history to receive both awards. In 2015, he was elected to the College of Fellows for the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). Tim received an A.B. in Physics from The University of Chicago, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT. He recently completed his MBA and was named a Wallman Scholar at The University of Chicago.
*The 2019 Graeme Clark Oration will be video recorded and available for viewing on the Internet. Photos will also be taken and used on web publications and in print publications or in promotional activities. If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed, please tell our staff members on the day.

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A joint initiative of the Convergence Science Network and the University of Melbourne.

Citizen Science Victoria - July Gathering
2019-07-24 15:00 - 17:00 | 60L Green Building, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
Calling all citizen science program leaders, contributors, scholars and volunteers!
We invite you to join us for the July 2019 meeting of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association. This meeting will focus on citizen science and education.
The meeting will commence with three presentations, which will be followed by break-out group discussions. There will also be plenty of time for sharing your project stories, networking and developing our community of practice.
We’ve asked these fabulous speakers to talk to you about their experiences and insights:
Sandra McCullogh, Earthwatch Australia
Sandra is a program manager for Bush Blitz and TeachLive at Earthwatch Australia. After completing a Bachelor of Science (major in Geology) at the University of Melbourne, she worked as a Geologist for Rio Tinto Exploration for five years, before leaving in 2015 to change careers, and joined Earthwatch in 2018.
Julian O’Shea, Unbound
Julian is a social entrepreneur and educator and is the CEO of Unbound – an organisation leading social impact education programs with Australian universities. He is the lead of the SolarTuk Expedition – an ambitious around-the-world journey by solar powered tuk tuk. He was recently named one of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers.
Edmond Lascaris, City of Whittlesea
Edmond Lascaris has been the Stormwater Management Coordinator at the City of Whittlesea for the past 7 years where he works on a range of water sustainability and education projects. This year, his students won the National Gallery of Victoria – Victorian Design Challenge 2019 Waste in the high school / primary school category for their invention of a Robot Walking School Bus designed to process waste and guide school children safely to school. In the past, Edmond as taught at up to 7 different primary schools and the Mill Park library teaching coding, electronics and design. Edmond completed his PhD at Swinburne University using industrial enzymes to help recycle paper at Visy.
Following the three presentations, we will break into group discussion sessions, where we will explore some of the key challenges and opportunities in citizen science in Victoria.
The Australian Citizen Science Association convenes a community of practice in citizen science, exploring ways to make participation in research by non-scientists not just instructive, but also engaging, fun and social.
Our thanks to our committee Chair, Kade Mills at the Victorian National Parks Association, for hosting our 2019 gathering.
From your ACSA-Vic committee –
Chair: Kade Mills (Victorian National Parks Association)
Vice Chair: Tess Hayes (EPA Victoria)
Secretary: Yvonne Cabuang (Melbourne Water)
Committee Members: Linden Ashcroft (University of Melbourne), Julian O’Shea (Unbound), Pat Bonney (Federation University) and Christine Connelly (Victoria University).

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Black holes, gravitational waves and the fastest explosions in the universe - Royal Children's Hospital
2019-07-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Ella Latham Theatre Ground Floor, The Royal Children’s Hospital 50 Flemington Road Parkville, Victoria
Dr Jeff Cooke will discuss recently announced astronomical events, including a direct image of a supermassive black hole, gravitational waves from merging black holes and neutron stars, and other exotic phenomena, including fast radio bursts. Donation goes to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
There have been several major announcements in astronomy recently, including a direct image of a black hole, black holes and neutron stars merging to generate gravitational waves, and other phenomena, including fast radio bursts. If you want to know more about these exotic events, Dr Jeff Cooke will discuss the details behind them and the role of Australians in their discovery.
Refreshments will be provided.
This is a fund raiser event for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Room with a point of view (Open House)
2019-07-27 10:30 - 2019-07-28 13:30 | The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010
“You built me up. You changed me. You loved me. You left me. Ultimately, you used me – what else can I call it?”
Explore the changing use and disuse of urban and industrial spaces, from the point of view of the buildings themselves. How does it feel to have been home to a rave, a bustling laboratory, or a film set?
Blending science, performance art and architectural design, this tour features untold stories, hidden facts, wild speculation and complete fabrications*.
Created and performed by the award-winning Jim Fishwick from Jetpack Theatre.
Please note: This tour takes place in the locations it discusses, in winter. Please wear practical shoes and warm clothes. It requires moving from site to site, but does not involve audience interaction. Unfortunately this event has able-bodied access only.
Bookings open 12 July.

Apollo 11 Archive Producer Stephen Slater in Conversation
2019-07-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum, 439 Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant, Victoria, 3350, Australia
One evening in May 2017, Stephen Slater got an unusual email from the US National Archives. NASA had left a trove of untouched Apollo 11 specific film reels sitting in cold storage, the message read. And he could access them. Slater, an archival producer and self-confessed space nerd, was “stunned.”
He was at his home in Sheffield, England, waiting for his usual Skype call with director Todd Douglas Miller …… They needed to complete the film in time for the moon landing’s 50th anniversary this July.
Hear from Stephen in his whirlwind visit to Ballarat.

Trash Robot
2019-07-28 11:00 - 2019-09-01 18:00 | Yarra River, Southbank, VIC, Australia
Urban Rivers (USA)
Can we game our way to a cleaner world?
Take control of our garbage-eating robot either in person or online! Created by Chicago-based collective Urban Rivers, Trash Robot will be trawling Melbourne’s Yarra River collecting rubbish outside of the City’s existing litter traps. And Melbourne’s waterways really need the help – in 2017, they were filled with enough rubbish to fill almost 30,000 wheelie bins. This sort of rubbish causes heaps of issues and costs the city around $3 million per year. Boo!
Could this floating gamified robot save the world? Why not? Nothing’s ever gone wrong with robots, right?
Yarra River, Southbank
Check back soon for exact location.

Hack IT Club: Technology and Coding for Kids
2019-07-30 08:00 - 17:00 | VIC
Join us for this term-based program and learn about Lego and Sphero Robotics, and also Arduino, and micro:bit electronics. Choose what you would like to explore, and then do so, at your own pace. This is a co-learning program for children where parents and carers are core support for their child.
There will be expert staff on hand to assist and direct.
Program Partners
• Inspiring Australia
• Royal Society of Victoria
• Victoria State Government
7–13 years
Every Wednesday starting 17 July – 18 September. Arrive anytime from 3.30–5pm Sebastopol Library
ALSO:
Every Monday starting 29 July– 16 September 4–4.45pm, Wendouree Library Eight-week program with Edison

Eel Trap - weaving workshops
2019-07-31 11:00 - 2019-08-02 15:00 | Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray, VIC, Australia
“Rivers signify tribal boundaries, gatherings for corroboree, life, not only for humans but for all living creatures” – Maree Clarke.
Mitch Mahoney & Maree Clarke (Australia)
Created by Boon Wurrung artist Mitch Mahoney and Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta and Boon Wurrung/Wemba Wemba artist Maree Clarke, Eel Trap is a 10-metre installation made of biodegradable reeds and grasses on the Maribyrnong River.
Inspired by traditional Aboriginal eel traps and made of river reeds from the local area, this installation is an example of how we might we use Indigenous knowledge, science and art to continue our fight towards a sustainable future. The installation will be created by Mahoney and Clarke and the local community, and will then be released into the Maribyrnong River. Members of the general public are invited to join the artists in free weaving workshops to build Eel Trap.
31 July – 21 August
Community weaving workshops: open Wednesday to Friday 11am–3pm, and Saturday 1pm–3pm.
23 – 31 August
Eel Trap viewing in Maribyrnong River: Outdoor installation, accessible everyday at all times.

Fatberg (Creating)
2019-07-31 11:00 - 2019-08-03 18:00 | Testing Grounds, 1 City Road, Southbank, VIC, Australia
Arne Hendriks (Netherlands) & Mike Thompson (United Kingdom)
Do we really understand fat?
In November 2017, the 130-tonne ‘Monster of Whitechapel’ was ejected from the bowels of east London. This fatberg – a congealed mass of fat, wet wipes and nappies – stretched the length of nearly two AFL footy ovals, taking workmen armed with shovels and high-powered jets three weeks of around the clock effort to extract.
Fat is perhaps THE iconic substance of our time. It is integral to life, health, energy, beauty, ecology and consumption. But what is fat if its behaviour becomes unpredictable, overtaking not only ourselves but our sewage systems? Do we understand fat, or do we need a fresh perspective?
To begin answering this question, artists Arne Hendriks and Mike Thompson invite you to join them at Testing Grounds to build Australia’s first purpose-built island of fat, and to ask – What is fat? What does it want? What is fat’s future? And do we really know fat?
Will you help it grow? We want your waste fat, so stayed tuned to our social media to find out ways to contribute.
Testing Grounds, Southbank
31 July – 3 August
Fatberg artists on site creating the work: Wednesday to Saturday 11am–6pm
7 – 15 August
Completed fatberg on display: Wednesday to Saturday 11am–6pm
Fatberg artists will also be involved in the First Friday Night and FAT SANDWICH: Jaffle Symposium events at Testing Grounds.

The Sewer Soaperie
2019-07-31 11:00 - 2019-08-03 21:00 | Testing Grounds, 1 City Road, Southbank, VIC, Australia
Would you wash your hands with soap made from sewage?
Catherine Sarah Young (Philippines)
Sewer Soaperie turns raw sewage and fat into luxury soaps. Extreme storms now frequently overwhelm drains, pipes and sewerage systems, causing flooding in major cities. Large lumps of coagulated grease, known as ‘fatbergs’, clog the system and create flooding. These greasy beasts are created when people pour used liquid oil down the sink, which then hardens in the pipes. Gross.
Artist Catherine Sarah Young takes grease from various sources, sterilises it and turns it into soap. As the global climate crisis intensifies, could this be a solution to a more sustainable future?
Testing Grounds, Southbank
31 July – 3 August
Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am–6pm, plus Friday 2 August 6pm–9pm at the First Friday Night at Testing Grounds event.
Sewer Soaperie will also be involved in Extrasensory @ Parliament of Victoria, Saturday 10 August 6pm-10pm

Maths & Music in Berlin, 1828: Elliptic Optics, Kosmos & Beethoven
2019-07-31 18:30 - 20:00 | Wonthaggi Baptist Church, 2 Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi, VIC, Australia
Presented by Professor Arun Ram, with live music performed by Joshua Hooke
This performance will take you back to the salons of Abraham and Lea Mendelssohn in Berlin, 1828, to a gathering of some of the greatest scientific and musical minds of the day.
In the year 1828, Alexander von Humboldt set up a hut for measuring the Earth’s magnetic field in the Mendelssohn garden, on his way to writing his treatise on the Universe, Kosmos. In the previous year Beethoven had died, leaving a controversial musical legacy, while Abel and Jacobi were in the midst of creating a mathematical revolution with the development of elliptic functions.
Discover the sounds of Beethoven, the elliptic orbits of the planets, and the thrill of the Kosmos, and experience the passion and exuberance that were the hallmark of the legendary Mendelssohn salon.
*Suitable for all ages, and all levels of interests and abilities in maths and music.

SCINEMA International Science Film Festival National Science Week Program
2019-08-01 07:00 - 2019-08-31 22:30 | VIC
SCINEMA is a celebration of the power of the moving image to inspire the young, satisfy the curious, explain the baffling and ask the impossible. Register your venue to host your own free SCINEMA screening during National Science Week.

SCINEMA is the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere showcasing the best in science cinema from around the world. SCINEMA is a celebration of the power of the moving image to inspire the young, satisfy the curious, explain the baffling and ask the impossible. Host your own Community Screening this August during National Science Week. So whether it’s at your school, library, in your local pub or even in your lounge room; private or public event, you can host your own event. All you need is a screen, computer, access to the internet and an audience (popcorn optional).

Hunt for the Plastic Eaters
2019-08-01 09:00 - 2019-08-31 16:00 | VIC
Science Gallery Melbourne throws down the gauntlet and sets an ambitious challenge: can we find a new plastic-eating bacteria in Australia? This project asks citizen scientists to culture bacteria in the search for a new species that could solve our plastic waste dilemma.
The lid has been lifted on human wastefulness, but what next? Science Gallery Melbourne delves into an ever-growing mountain of garbage to find innovative opportunities within our consumerist behaviour, through their third sci-art pop-up season DISPOSABLE.
For National Science Week, we’re throwing down the gauntlet and sets an ambitious challenge: can we find a new plastic-eating bacteria in Australia? Building on the research of Japanese plastic-eating bacteria expert Dr Shosuke Yoshida, and working with biohacking group BioQuisitive, this project takes Melbourne’s new science engagement initiative for young people Australia-wide, asking citizen scientists to culture bacteria in the search for a new species that could solve our plastic waste dilemma.
Join the team trying to find Australia’s Next Top Plastic-Eating Bacteria!

Women in STEM Conference at Melbourne Zoo (Catholic Schools)
2019-08-01 09:30 - 14:00 | Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Avenue, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Women in STEM: Future Careers, 21st Century Skills and Role Models
Females are drastically underrepresented in STEM subjects and jobs across the planet – let’s change that! On the eve of National Science Week 2019, educate and inspire your Year 7–10 students by connecting with real-world STEM mentors and case studies. This conference is especially for Catholic Schools and hosted by Zoos Victoria, Catholic Education Office Melbourne, St Aloysius College and girledworld.
Through hands-on activities, guest speakers and reflection, this conference will explore:

Female STEM mentors and role models
Real-world case studies of women in STEM
The role of STEM in the future of work
How STEM subjects and courses can lead to future STEM education and careers
How personal strengths, skills and experience can be translated to STEM study and careers

Students will walk away from this conference inspired, educated and excited by relatable real-world STEM mentors. They will also tap into their learning, skills and interests to explore their place in STEM.
This program links to Victorian Curriculum Level 7–10:

Design and Technologies – Technologies and Society
Science – Science as a Human Endeavour
Personal and Social Capability – Development of Resilience, Collaboration
Critical and Creative Thinking – Questions and Possibilities
Sustainability

Capacity: Each school is welcome to bring up to 15 students in Years 7-10.
Note: Vegetarian morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided for attending teachers. Students are to bring their own rubbish-free lunch.

P@TCH
2019-08-01 11:00 - 2019-08-18 16:00 | Macfarland Court, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Janna Ahrndt (United States of America)
Will you truthfully track your environmental goals?
Like a Fitbit for your ethical performance, P@tch is a textile-based new media project inspired by punk and DIY culture. Each homemade P@tch uses self-reporting and environmental sensors to allow the user to track their personal and surrounding pollution. P@tch participants will set their own DISPOSABLE month goal and build their own wearable device to track their progress in real time. Will you self-shame yourself into a more sustainable life? Are you brave enough to track your exposure to air pollution and become part of the artwork? Are you willing to take part in a workshop to build your own P@tch?
Apply now to be a participant and track your performance in August.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, MACFARLAND COURT
1–18 August
Open Monday to Saturday 11am–6pm, plus Sunday 18 August 10am–4pm.

Urinotron
2019-08-01 11:00 - 2019-08-18 16:00 | Macfarland Court, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Sandra and Gaspard Bébié-Valérian (France) and Professor Peter Scales (Australia)
Are you flushing a valuable wee-source?
Urinotron is a large-scale installation that takes our organic waste (urine) and transforms it into power for your mobile phone, before recycling it back to pure water.
Contribute your urine and then put your feet up as the salts in your liquid gold turn into sustainable pee power.
Why are we flushing such a valuable resource? Urinotron combines scientific equipment, engineering skills and reems of electronic wires in an artistic equivalent of an alchemist’s workshop, producing a different kind of gold.
The first iteration of Urinotron was co-produced by Sandra Bébié-Valérian, Gaspard Bébié-Valérian and Dorian Reunkrilerk. Urinotron 2.0 is a collaboration with Professor Peter Scales.
The University of Melbourne, Macfarland Court
1–18 August
Open Monday to Saturday 11am–6pm, plus Sunday 18 August 10am–4pm.

Plastivore
2019-08-01 11:00 - 2019-08-18 16:00 | Macfarland Court, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Artist Oliver Kellhammer’s work allows you to watch the mealworms as they dine on polystyrene.

Oliver Kellhammer (United States of America)
Do solutions to our recycling crisis exist in nature?
Nature is outsmarting us. Solutions to our enormous waste problems are often right in front of us. Polystyrene is a non-biodegradable material that is a large component of our global waste problem and a major contributor to pollution. The humble mealworm has the ability to partially biodegrade polystyrene through its gut bacteria, breaking down the plastic and turning it into compost. But what if we start genetically engineering our insect friends to be super plastic-digesters? The perfect solution? Or ecological slavery?
Artist Oliver Kellhammer’s work allows you to watch the mealworms as they dine on polystyrene.
The University of Melbourne, Macfarland Court
1–18 August
Open Monday to Saturday 11am–6pm, plus Sunday 18 August 10am–4pm.

DISPOSABLE
2019-08-01 12:00 - 2019-09-01 16:00 | The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010
Science Gallery Melbourne’s pop-up program DISPOSABLE will highlight experimental and creative ways to tackle our ever growing excess of waste. DISPOSABLE locations will include The University of Melbourne’s Parkville and Southbank campuses, along with unique sites throughout Melbourne.
The lid has been lifted on human wastefulness, but what next? Following the lead of Australian cult-hero, the bin chicken, we delve into our garbage and find opportunities within our disposable culture.
While the global waste statistics are sobering, we are now seeing emergent ecologies that thrive on human wastefulness, drinking water recycled from toilets and furniture made from coffee grounds. Waste brings new opportunities, human innovations and creative solutions.
Science Gallery Melbourne will highlight experimental and creative ways to tackle our ever growing excess of waste through transdisciplinary and collaborative practices in its third pop-up program.
DISPOSABLE will feature outdoor installations, pop-up gallery exhibits, performances, experiments and workshops. Locations will include The University of Melbourne’s Parkville and Southbank campuses, along with unique sites throughout Melbourne.

Little Bang Discovery Club
2019-08-01 16:00 - 2019-08-22 17:00 | Central Highlands Libraries
This four-week course gives you and your child a way to discover science together. With hands-on activities, question and answer time, a Discovery Box and book loaned to each child for the duration of the Club. Get involved and get your Discovery Club Passport stamped as you work towards the
Science Fair on the last day.
This is a co-learning program for children where parents and carers are core support for their children. Ages 5-7 years.
Program Partners
• Inspiring Australia
• Royal Society of Victoria
• Victoria State Government
WHEN:
Thursday 1 August–Thursday 22 August 4–4.45pm Wendouree Library

Women in STEM Conference at Melbourne Zoo
2019-08-02 09:30 - 14:00 | Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Avenue, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Women in STEM: Future Careers, 21st Century Skills and Role Models
Females are drastically underrepresented in STEM subjects and jobs across the planet – let’s change that! On the eve of National Science Week 2019, educate and inspire your Year 7–10 students by connecting with real-world STEM mentors and case studies. This conference is especially for secondary schools and hosted by Zoos Victoria and girledworld at Melbourne Zoo.
Through hands-on activities, guest speakers and reflection, this conference will explore:

Female STEM mentors and role models
Real-world case studies of women in STEM
The role of STEM in the future of work
How STEM subjects and courses can lead to future STEM education and careers
How personal strengths, skills and experience can be translated to STEM study and careers

Students will walk away from this conference inspired, educated and excited by relatable real-world STEM mentors. They will also tap into their learning, skills and interests to explore their place in STEM.
This program links to Victorian Curriculum Level 7–10:

Design and Technologies – Technologies and Society
Science – Science as a Human Endeavour
Personal and Social Capability – Development of Resilience, Collaboration
Critical and Creative Thinking – Questions and Possibilities
Sustainability

Capacity: Each school is welcome to bring up to 15 students in Years 7 – 10.
Note: Vegetarian morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided for attending teachers. Students are to bring their own rubbish-free lunch.

Testing Grounds - First Friday of the Month
2019-08-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Testing Grounds, 1 City Road, Southbank, VIC, Australia
Come celebrate the first Friday of the month at Southbank’s Testing Grounds with DISPOSABLE artworks Fatberg and Sewer Soaperie.
It’s the first Friday of the month again and Testing Grounds is bringing you installations, exhibition openings and performances, including DISPOSABLE artworks Fatberg by UK artists Mike Thompson and Arne Hendricks and The Sewer Soaperie by Catherine Sarah Young. Plus there’s fire pits to keep you warm and beer and wine to keep your spirit alive.

Jaffle Symposium: Fatbergs & Three Cheese Jaffles
2019-08-03 12:00 - 13:30 | Testing Grounds, 1 City Road, Southbank, VIC, Australia
The Jaffle Symposium is a curated a program of discussions, where interesting people talk about interesting things while making and eating jaffles around the open fire at Testing Grounds.
A feast for your stomach, mind, planet and soul. Bringing together art, culture, science, technology and, of course, the glorious jaffle: because any discussion without food is just a waste.
What does fat mean to you?
A delicious and lively discussion around the fire between artists, scientists and jaffle-enthusiasts. It will be a discussion about fat from different disciplines, shifting our feelings about fat and what steps we can all take to shift the conversation and reality of fat in our world.
