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A Diverse Program of Open Events for Families and Communities Across Victoria.

For this year’s National Science Week, Survive and Thrive brings you an open program across the State of Victoria to engage people of all ages with the world of scientific knowledge, with a focus on fun and discovery!

Whether we’re talking about people, organisations, or the relationship between humanity and the rest of the natural world, one thing holds true: we’re stronger together! “Community” extends beyond human collectives to embrace a vast network of amazing, adaptable lifeforms, all of us reliant on each other to survive and thrive in our remarkable planet’s dynamic web of life.

Grant-supported events across the State of Victoria in 2024 (click to view larger version).

From major public institutions to grass roots knowledge networks across Victoria, the program demonstrates the power of collective action, from public libraries answering a thirst for deeper understanding with their local communities, to neighbourhood houses and community groups conducting citizen science and promoting evidence-based sustainability practices.

Learn how you can use reliable knowledge to help our species, ecosystems and people to Survive and Thrive into the future.

Survive and Thrive is a series of community-focused events presented in collaboration between Museums Victoria, Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, Public Libraries Victoria and the Royal Society of Victoria for National Science Week, produced by the Inspiring Victoria program.

The Main EventsNeighbourhood HousesLibraries & Community OrganisationsNational Grant RecipientsAll Victorian Events (National Site)

Museums Victoria, Zoos Victoria and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria have joined forces to highlight conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and efforts to help plants and animals adapt to changing conditions and new environments. Experts in conservation and nature recovery will share their knowledge to help us address the challenges facing thousands of Australia’s native plant and animal species, and also their work towards growing thriving ecosystems to support human exploration in the hostile conditions of space. Come broaden your horizons and be a part of the activities below this August!

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, Scienceworks

Date/Time: Saturday 10 Aug – Sunday 18 Aug, 10:30AM – 3:30PM

Price: Included with Museum entry 

Location: Scienceworks, Spotswood

The Martian Garden

In the next 30 years, missions to the Moon and Mars will explore habitation in new and extreme environments. Discover how we can create sustainable new ecosystems off-world (and on Earth). Uncover the challenges and innovative solutions for growing plants in extreme environments, and find out how we can provide a nutritious, varied food supply to people living beyond Earth.

More Information/Registration: scienceweek.net.au/event/the-martian-garden-3/spotswood

Scienceworks

Date/Time: Sunday 11 Aug, 10:30AM – 12:00PM

Price: Free*

Location: Scienceworks, Spotswood

Journey Beyond: A Morning with Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg

Katherine Bennell-Pegg will be touching down at Scienceworks to kick off National Science Week! Join us first thing to hear her interview, watch her launch a rocket, and then get an autograph from Australia’s first astronaut. 

More Information/Registration: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/tickets/scienceworks/whats-on/journey-beyond-tickets/

Melbourne Museum

Date/Time: Saturday 10 Aug & Sunday 18 Aug, 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Price: Free*

Location: Melbourne Museum, Carlton

Science on Show

Science on Show showcases some of the rarest and most fascinating species displayed at Melbourne Museum. Join scientists who specialise in ancient fossils and underwater marvels. Discover rare collections, learn about endangered species and create something special to take home.

More Information/Registration: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/tickets/melbournemuseum/whats-on/science-on-show-tickets/

*The Inspiring Victoria program is providing free admission to Scienceworks (11 Aug) and Melbourne Museum (18 Aug) to attend Journey Beyond and Science on Show. Numbers are strictly limited – for access to free admission, please book via the links provided. There’s plenty more to see and do at Museums Victoria for National Science Week! See the full program at museumsvictoria.com.au/national-science-week.

Melbourne Gardens

Date/Time: Thursday 15 Aug, 6:30PM

Price: Free (bookings essential)

Location: Mueller Hall, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Botanical Time Capsules

Documenting biodiversity through time.

Join Alison Vaughan, Manager Collections, for a rare chance to deep dive into the history of the 1.5 million preserved specimens housed in the National Herbarium of Victoria.

Documenting the presence of a plant, algae or fungus at a particular place and time, each specimen is a botanical time capsule that helps us understand past and present biodiversity. They allow us to track how plants, algae and fungi respond to environmental changes, helping inform the conservation work that supports species survival.

More Information/Registration: https://rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/botanical-time-capsules/

Cranbourne Gardens

Date/Time: Saturday 17 Aug, 11:00AM & 2:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Raising Rarity Revealed

Explore the critical work of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria on this special Raising Rarity tour.

Head behind the scenes to our RBGV nursery, where you’ll learn about the specialist production and propagation techniques used to save Victoria’s most threatened plant species. Then, join a guided tour of our research garden, delving into the vital conservation efforts and cutting-edge research supporting these rare species.

At the end of the tour, each participant will receive their very own threatened plant species to take home – so you can do your bit in contributing to the preservation of our precious botanical heritage. Join RBGV in making a difference, one plant at a time.

More Information/Registration: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/whats-on-cranbourne/raising-rarity-revealed/

Date/Time: Saturday 17 Aug

Price: Kids under 16 Free, Adults $32, Concession $24

Location: Kyabram Fauna Park

Species Survival Day

Kyabram Fauna Park are thrilled to host Species Survival Day! Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with Australia’s native wildlife and learn how you can become a conservation champion.

Our dedicated Zoo Keepers and Educators are eager to share their expertise and passion for wildlife conservation through engaging keeper talks, interactive workshops, creative craft activities, and family-friendly entertainment.

Plus, don’t miss out on a special goody bag to take home! Come be a part of this inspiring day and discover how you can help our native species to survive and thrive.

More Information/Registration: Kyabram Fauna Park

The Inspiring Victoria initiative, in partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, offers grant funding to Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres around Victoria to produce, advertise and deliver events for National Science Week every year.

The diverse program of activities all have an underlying focus on sustainability and citizen science. 2024 grant recipients are listed below – see if you can find an activity at a centre near you this August!

West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Tuesday 6 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Warrnambool West Primary School, Warrnambool

Sea the Science 

A science fair to explore an array of quirky science experiments and projects. Families will also explore the detrimental effects that marine litter has on marine life, bird life, and underwater ecosystems.

More Information/Registration: https://www.facebook.com/westwarrnamboolneighbourhoodhouse

Selby Community House

Date/Time: Sunday 11 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Selby Community House/Minak Reserve, Selby

Nature Walk & Exploration of Minak Reserve 

Be immersed in the rich biodiversity and conservation efforts of Minak Reserve. This guided nature walk will highlight the reserve’s unique ecosystem and the critical work being done by ‘Friends of Minak Reserve.’ The event will include hands-on STEM activities, re-vegetation efforts, and opportunities for participants to learn from local experts.

More Information/Registration: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/minak-reserve-nature-walk-and-exploration/selby/

Fraser Rise Children’s and Community Centre

Date/Time: Monday 12 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Fraser Rise Children’s and Community Centre, Fraser Rise

Bee Hive Science 

Children will have the opportunity to observe a live honeybee colony in action to learn about bee behaviour and hive dynamics, dressing in beekeeping suits to try their hands at beekeeping. Plus, no exploration of bees is complete without tasting honey!

More Information/Registration: meltonlearning.com.au/locations/fraser-rise-childrens-community-centre

Aspendale Gardens Community Service

Date/Time: Monday 12 Aug – Saturday 17 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Aspendale Gardens Community Service, Aspendale Gardens

Science Explorers

Explore the wonders of science with various science stations. Pre-school aged children will self-explore different aspects of science in a hands-on and engaging way. These stations will be open to the general public, and activities will incorporate activities such as elephant toothpaste, volcanos, slime making, magnets, magic milk, balloon rockets, and more. 

More Information/Registration: agcsinc.org.au

Notting Hill Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Tuesday 13 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Notting Hill Neighbourhood House, Notting Hill

Wildlife Wonders

Children are invited to meet the “Animals of Oz’, who will bring some native animals along and do a show about their habitat, care, and what children can do to help them. Then, create models of native animal species with Play Doh and create dioramas of different animals in their habitats.

More Information/Registration: nottinghillnh.org.au

South Kingsville Community Centre

Date/Time: Tuesday 13 Aug

Price: Free

Location: South Kingsville Community Centre, South Kingsville

Science Explorers

A dynamic range of hands-on science activities that cover various scientific disciplines, including physics and chemistry will be arranged & set up. Children will engage in exciting experiments such as oobleck, fake snow, baking soda rocket extravaganza, snow-cano, magic milk, film canister rockets, gooey oobleck slime, and glitter slime.

More Information/Registration: skcc.net.au

Horsham Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Tuesday 13 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Horsham Neighbourhood House, Horsham

Science Week Celebration 

Learn about volcanoes and why they are essential to our ecosystem. Then create and detonate your own volcano in the sand pit with bi-carb soda and vinegar. Then make elephant toothpaste and homemade slushies to discover chemical reactions. There will also be a human-powered blender to think about where energy comes from as you blend a smoothie for yourself.

More Information/Registration: horshamnh.com.au

Seymour & District Community House Inc.

Date/Time: Tuesday 13 Aug-Friday 16 August

Price: Free

Location: Seymour & District Community House, Seymour

Kids Science Week 

The World Day will provide children the opportunity to dive into nature and its creatures through experimentation and local Indigenous knowledge. The Basics of Math Day will help children understand counting, colours, and shapes. The Sensory Play Day will encourage children to dive into many messy play experiences including potion making, using natural materials to create artwork and experiment.

More Information/Registration: www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/community/community-directory/seymour-and-district-community-house-inc

Keysborough Learning Centre

Date/Time: Wednesday 14 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Keysborough Learning Centre, Keysborough

Technology for All – Robotics and 3D Designing Workshop 

Bring STEM disciplines together in two workshops about Coding and Robotics, and 3D design and 3D printing. 

More Information/Registration: www.klckeys.com.au

Japara Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Wednesday 14 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Japara Neighbourhood House, Kilsyth

Circuits of Fun

Join us for a fun and interactive program to explore and experiment with electricity! In this hands-on session explore how electricity works, different sources of energy, experiment with circuits and switches, and see if you can get the bulb to light up, or sounds to play! This family-friendly afternoon will have experiments and activities for the whole family.

More Information/Registration: japarahouse.com.au

Kyneton Community House

Date/Time: Wednesday 14 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Kyneton Community House, Kyneton

Digging With Dinosaurs 

Explore extinction events of the past and link them to the current need for climate action to mitigate future extinction events. Children will dig for dinosaurs, build fossils, create artwork, and learn about current endangered species and what communities can do to help prevent loss. 

More Information/Registration: kynetoncommunityhouse.org.au

Glenroy Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Wednesday 14 Aug, 4:00PM-5:00PM & Thursday 15 Aug, 10:00AM-11:30AM & 4:00PM-5:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Glenroy Neighbourhood House, Glenroy

Let’s Get Experimental

Children aged 5+ can experiment with chemical reactions, colour changing milk, and oobleck matter (i.e. materials that have properties of both liquids and solids). Then Melbourne City Mission will run a Messy Science session having pre-school children making different types and textures of dough. Lastly, STEM Birds will run a coding workshop having children aged 10+

More Information/Registration: gnh.org.au

Mountain District Learning Centre

Date/Time: Thursday 15 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Mountain District Learning Centre, Ferntree Gully

Robotics 

Build robots and learn how to conduct basic coding to program them. Install the solar panel on top of the robot so they do not require batteries, then race your robots around the custom track designed by participants. 

More Information/Registration: mdlc.org.au

Cann River Community Centre

Date/Time: Thursday 15 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Cann River Community Centre, Cann River

Cann Go Green 

The Community Centre will have presentation talks from Landcare about composting, & worm farm gardening, and enriching both adults and children on how to grow their own vegetables. Each participant will participate in a hands-on session on how to propagate vegetables and other seedlings – and take a seedling home.

More Information/Registration: facebook.com/groups/1727578500791337

Noble Park Community Centre

Date/Time: Friday 16 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Noble Park Community Centre, Noble Park

Illuminating Species Survival: Throwie and Ladybug Workshops 

This project combines the creation of LED throwies with painting of ladybug pebbles to educate participants about species survival and biodiversity. Create LED throwies and attach them to painted ladybug pebbles to emphasise their ecological importance. These creations will be used to adorn the community garden.

More Information/Registration: nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au

Hampton Park Community House

Date/Time: Thursday 17 Aug (note updated date from earlier listing)

Price: Free

Location: Hampton Park Community House, Hampton Park

Eco-Explorers: Mini Beasts and Rivergum Adventure

Join an exciting and educational Bush Kinder adventure at the beautiful River Gum Reserve! Embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the diverse ecosystem of the reserve, equipped with mini explorer packs. Investigate everything from disease-causing organisms to life-saving chemicals, clean water, and microplastics. This hands-on experience will ignite their curiosity and deepen your understanding of the natural world. 

More Information/Registration:https://www.hamptonparkch.vic.edu.au/events/whats-on

Yarraville Community Centre

Date/Time: Sunday 18 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Yarraville Community Centre, Yarraville

Science Adventure: Hands-On Discovery Day 

The workshop includes acid-based chemical reactions, exploring gravity and impact through engineering challenges, constructing simple circuits, and understanding plant biology. This fun and educational event aims to foster your love for STEM while providing valuable knowledge and encouragement.

More Information/Registration: ycc.net.au

Mackie Rd Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Wednesday 21 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Mackie Rd Neighbourhood House, Mulgrave

Science is Fun

Kids will have a roaring great time as they learn about dinosaurs in a Digging Dinosaurs workshop and dig for fossils as palaeontologists. Check out the life-size replica of the Velociraptor dinosaur skull and come face to face with T-Rex! Or, investigate and separate marvellous mixtures using chemistry and physics.

More Information/Registration: mackierdnh.org.au

Balla Balla Community Centre

Date/Time: Friday 23 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Balla Balla Community Centre, Clyde North

Species Survival – Beyond Sustainability

Mad About Science will facilitate a Species Survival – Beyond Sustainability presentation. There will be 6 workstations with activities and experiments for children to explore and celebrate innovative ways that real life scientists are tackling problems leading to species decline.

More Information/Registration: ballaballa.com.au

Dallas Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Thursday 29 Aug, 9:00AM-12:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Dallas Neighbourhood House, Broadmeadows

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Workshop for Seniors

Be introduced to eco-friendly cleaning. Learn about the health benefits of avoiding harsh chemicals and the cost-effectiveness of homemade cleaning solutions. Watch hands-on demonstrations and create your own cleaning solutions for more sustainable living.

More Information/Registration: dallasnh.org.au

The Inspiring Victoria initiative, in support of Public Libraries Victoria, activates regional knowledge hubs in local government areas across the State of Victoria to produce, advertise and deliver events for National Science Week every year.

The diverse program of activities all have an underlying focus on families, remote communities and sustainability. 2024 grant recipients are listed below – see if you can find an activity at a public library or community organisation near you this August!

Gannawarra Library Service

Date/Time: Wednesday 7 Aug, 4:30PM

Price: Free

Location: Cohuna Library

Bubblemania Workshop

Join twistED Science for the renowned Bubblemania workshop!

Suitable for children aged 5-12 years, this one-hour workshop will enable participants to make their own bubbleator and complete bubble sculpting challenges.

More Information/Registration:

https://www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au/Events-Activities/National-Science-Week-Bubblemania

Campaspe Regional Library

Date/Time: Friday, 9 Aug (Echuca), Tuesday, 13 Aug (Kyabram), 10:30AM

Price: Free

Location: Echuca & Kyabram Libraries

National Science Week Storytime

Join in the fun as the team from twistED Science share science experiments suitable for pre school age children.

More Information/Registration:

https://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library

Frankston City Libraries

Date/Time: Saturday, 10 Aug, 12:30PM – 1:30PM

Price: Free

Location: Frankston Library

Get Scientwisted!

Prepare for 60 minutes of non-stop fun, laughter, and mind-blowing science that you definitely don’t want to miss! This is not just a show, it’s an interactive experience with lots of audience participation. Everyone from ages 4 to 104 is invited to join in the excitement.

Be prepared for awesome demonstrations exploring vacuums, Bernoulli’s principle, chemical reactions, centripetal force, static electricity, chemical sponges, and much more!

More Information/Registration:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/get-scientwisted-science-show-tickets-950478555947

Goldfields Libraries

Date/Time: Saturday, 10 Aug, 10:00AM – 12:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Bendigo Library

Wild Art with Trace Balla

Join us to explore locally threatened animals and create a group artwork with the guidance of artist and author Trace Balla!

The artwork will be displayed at the library during National Science Week (10-18 August).

More Information/Registration:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wild-art-with-trace-balla-tickets-952422751087

Grovedale Toy Library

Date/Time: Saturday, 10 Aug, 2:00PM – 4:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Grovedale Community Hub

Science Week at Grovedale Toy Library

Local families are invited to our National Science Week Event at the Grovedale Community Hub exploring the native flora and fauna in the Geelong Region.

You can learn about our local Geelong environment and endangered species, explore sensory play, and pot a native plant to take home to add to your garden and encourage native birds and insects to visit. There will be toys and games from the Grovedale Toy Library to keep kids entertained.

More Information/Registration:

https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/science-week-at-grovedale-toy-library/grovedale/

Geography Victoria

Date/Time: Sunday, 11 Aug, 8:00AM – 5:15PM

Price: $40.00

Location: Pickup from the Royal Society of Victoria, City of Melbourne

Climate Change Impacts – Mornington Peninsula Fieldtrip

Join our expert presenters to explore the dynamic nature of the Mornington Peninsula coastal and marine environment, focusing on climate change impacts and mitigation solutions. This is a day trip from Melbourne by bus, unless you live on the Mornington Peninsula and wish to join the bus at McCrae.

Dr James Driscoll (Director of STEM Outreach at Monash University) and coastal geomorphologist Rob Gell AM (President of The Royal Society of Victoria) will lead a full-day hands-on fieldtrip to consider coastal processes and the dynamic interconnections between land, sea and atmosphere at sites along the Mornington Peninsula. We will also explore the socio-economic impacts of climate change on coastal communities and consider the effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation strategies.

More Information/Registration:

https://events.humanitix.com/climate-change-impacts-mornington-peninsula-coastal-fieldtrip

Myli – My Community Library

Date/Time: Monday 12 Aug, Wednesday 14 Aug and Friday 16 Aug, 4:00PM – 5:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Drouin Library, Warragul Library, Baw Baw Mobile – Trafalgar Community Centre

MYLI STEM Zone

Join us to explore Species Survival. Perform an experiment to investigate animal adaptations. Discover how environmental changes influence food sources. Learn about the importance of insects with our creepy crawly touch tank. Find out how to rehabilitate an environment with an interactive display. Investigate how we can monitor the animals’ health. Learn how to help a snake bite victim.

More Information/Registration:

scienceweek.net.au/event/myli-presents-stem-zone-5/drouin

scienceweek.net.au/event/myli-presents-stem-zone-5/warragul

scienceweek.net.au/event/myli-presents-stem-zone-5/trafalgar

Your Library

Date/Time: Monday 12 Aug – Friday 16 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Ferntree Gully Library

National Science Week at Ferntree Gully Library

A special series of events for children, parents and caregivers.

More Information/Registration:

National Science Week: Crime Scene Investigation 12-08-2024 at 1:00PM Ferntree Gully Library
National Science Week YA Neurodivergent Sensory Trays 13-08-2024 at 4:00PM Ferntree Gully Library
National Science Week Parents & Caregivers Intro to STEM at home 14-08-2024 at 11:00AM Ferntree Gully Library
National Science Week Toddler Storytime For Ages 1-3 At Ferntree Gully Library 14-08-2024 at 1:00PM Ferntree Gully Library
National Science Week Family Storytime For Ages 0-6 At Ferntree Gully Library 15-08-2024 at 11:00AM Ferntree Gully Library
National Science Week Intergenerational STEM activity 15-08-2024 at 1:00PM Ferntree Gully Library
National Science week: Crime Scene Investigation 16-08-2024 at 4:00PM Ferntree Gully Library

East Gippsland Shire Libraries

Date/Time: Monday 12 Aug – Friday 16 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Bairnsdale Library, Omeo Service Centre, Lakes Entrance Service Centre, Paynesville Service Centre, Orbost Service Centre, and Mallacoota Service Centre.

Greenhouse Gardening 

Come along to our gardening and sustainability workshop and build your very own greenhouse, complete some science experiments and take part in our quiz. Learn more about why gardening plays an important role in science and gain a better understanding of how plants grow and survive. Take your greenhouse home and grow your vegetables and your knowledge.

More Information/Registration: 

scienceweek.net.au/event/greenhouse-gardening-at-east-gippsland-shire-libraries

Corangamite Moyne Library Service

Date/Time: Monday 12 Aug – Saturday 17 Aug

Price: Free

Location: Timboon Library, Camperdown Library, Terang Library, Koroit Library, Port Fairy Library, Mortlake Library, Derrinallum Library, and Cobden Library

DIY Greenhouse Gardening for Kids

Create your own mini greenhouse while reusing materials to promote sustainability and minimise waste. With just a little water, sunlight, and patience, fresh alfalfa will be ready to harvest in no time.

More Information/Registration: 
events.humanitix.com/host/corangamite-moyne-library-service 

Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub

Date/Time: Tuesday 13 Aug and Wednesday 14 Aug, 4:00PM – 5:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub

The Science of Snot with Mr Snotbottom

Mr Snotbottom will blow you away with his fun science facts delivered as a stand-up comedy show catering for all snotty folks. He is a hysterically disgusting kids comedian brimming with all the ooey, gooey yucky things kids love. ‘The Science of Snot’ is the newest, grossest Mr Snotbottom show yet. He certainly knows how to pick them!

More Information/Registration: scienceweek.net.au/event/the-science-of-snot-with-mr-snotbottom-2/caroline-springs

Myli – My Community Library

Date/Time: Wednesday 14 Aug, 4:00PM – 5:30PM/6:00PM – 7:30PM

Price: Free

Location: Pakenham Library

Coding Craze Hits Pakenham

Explore coding and robotics in a fun, hands-on workshop. Children will dive into the world of coding and robotics, learning to build and program robots using Lego and many other robotics kits. Our expert guides will be there every step of the way. Spark curiosity, ignite creativity and enhance problem-solving skills. There is a session for children ages 5-12 and ages 10-17. 

More Information/Registration:

scienceweek.net.au/event/coding-craze-hits-pakenham-science-week-pakenham-library-session-1/pakenham

scienceweek.net.au/event/coding-craze-hits-pakenham-ages-10-to-17/pakenham

Merri-Bek Libraries

Date/Time: Wednesday 14 Aug, 6:30PM

Price: Free

Location: Brunswick Library

What is Dark Matter? An evening with Dr. Elisabetta Barberio, Physicist

Have you ever wondered what dark matter is but were too afraid to ask? Then come along and meet Professor Elisabetta Barberio, the ‘dark matter detective’. Professor Barberio will discuss what dark matter is and its role in our universe. She will also chat about why an underground laboratory in the abandoned gold mines of Stawell is the perfect place to discover more about how our universe works.

More Information/Registration:

https://merri-bek.vic.gov.au/exploring-merri-bek/libraries/library-activities-events/

Mornington Peninsula Libraries

Date/Time: Thursday 15 Aug, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Rosebud Library

Musical Plants

Have you ever made music with a marigold? Composed with a chrysanthemum? Or listened to some lavender? Be amazed at extraordinary digital instruments that are crafted from real, living plants and innovative technology.

More Information/Registration: scienceweek.net.au/event/musical-plants-rosebud-library/rosebud

Moonee Valley Libraries

Date/Time: Saturday 17 Aug, 10:30AM – 11:15AM/11:30AM – 1:30PM/2:00PM – 3:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Flemington Library

Celebrating Science – STEM Story Time, Science Showcase, & Family Science Trivia

It’s storytime but with a science twist. Get hands-on with STEM activities based on our favourite picture books. Stick around for a science showcase and family science trivia. Try out a range of science, technology, engineering and maths challenges, and test whether you know your meteoroids from your meteorites.

More Information/Registration:

scienceweek.net.au/event/celebrating-science-stem-storytime/flemington

scienceweek.net.au/event/celebrating-science-science-showcase/flemington

scienceweek.net.au/event/celebrating-science-family-science-trivia/flemington

Greater Dandenong Libraries

Date/Time: Saturday 17 Aug, 3:00PM – 4:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Dandenong Library

Get Scientwisted Science Show

TwistED Science is visiting for 60 minutes of fun, laughter and a little bit of learning. Dive into the world of science with experiments about air pressure, chemical reactions, vacuums and forces. Audience participation is a must!

More Information/Registration:

scienceweek.net.au/event/get-scientwisted-science-show-3/dandenong

Cyril Callister Foundation Inc.

Date/Time: Saturday 17 Aug & Sunday 18 Aug, 11:00AM – 2:15PM

Price: Free

Location: Cyril Callister Museum

The Man Who Invented Vegemite – Cyril’s Lab Pass

Cyril’s Lab is a new science space at the Cyril Callister Museum, which celebrates Australian scientist Dr Cyril Callister and his invention Vegemite. Visit Cyril’s Lab during National Science Week to get hands-on with fun science experiments and demonstrations using Australia’s iconic spread, and even make your very own Vegemite caviar.

More Information/Registration: scienceweek.net.au/event/the-man-who-invented-vegemite-cyrils-lab-launch-2/beaufort

Belgrave South Toy Library

Date/Time: Sunday 25 Aug, 2:00PM – 4:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Belgrave South Toy Library

Toy-tally Messy Science Spectacular

Come and play at Belgrave South Toy Library. We will be getting hands-on with science. We will explore scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way through messy play activities. There will be messy sensory play, science experiments with our mad scientists, sustainable crafts, and science-themed storytime.

More Information/Registration:

scienceweek.net.au/event/toy-tally-messy-science-spectacular/belgrave-south

2024 Events from Victoria’s National Grant Recipients

The National Science Week Grants program is conducted by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources, allocating funding of between $2,000 and $20,000 to people or groups across the nation.

This year’s Victorian projects include:

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries Makerspace

Date/Time: Saturday 10 Aug – Friday 16 Aug, 10:00AM – 6:00PM

Price: Free

Location: Box Hill Library, Doncaster Library, and Nunawading Library

From Craft to Code

Did weaving give us the first computer code? Can circuit boards make music? How does clothes mending teach us geometric patterns? How can modern electronics be sewn into clothing? This week-long program explores and celebrates the origins of modern computing, digital media and coding across a range of artistic disciplines.

More Information/Registration: scienceweek.net.au/event/from-craft-to-code/nunawading

STEM Zone Pty Ltd

Date/Time: Saturday 10 Aug, 9:00AM – 12:00PM and 12:30PM – 3:30PM

Price: Free (infants and adults)/$11.50 (Youth – ages 4-15)

Location: Lardner Park

The STEM Zone Experiment – Family Science Festival

Explore interactive exhibits, workshops, and dazzling demonstrations that will unleash your inner scientist and ignite your passion for STEM. Prepare to be amazed by mind-bending VR experiences, chemical reactions, and light-bending photography. Challenge yourself with brain-teasing engineering tasks, robotics, and defy gravity with physics experiments. Learn about Earth-saving solutions, and so much more!

More Information/Registration: scienceweek.net.au/event/the-stem-zone-experiment/lardner

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space

Date/Time: Saturday 10 Aug – Sunday 18 Aug, 10:30am – 3:30pm

Price: Free (Spotswood events are included with Museum entry) 

Location: Scienceworks, Spotswood

The Martian Garden

In the next 30 years, missions to the Moon and Mars will explore habitation in new and extreme environments.

The Martian Garden will explore how we can create sustainable new ecosystems off-world. Discover how we select and adapt plant and microbial species to survive and thrive. Learn how we’re guiding novel approaches to sustainable ecosystems here on Earth.

Uncover the challenges and innovative solutions for growing plants in extreme environments. Find out how we can provide a nutritious, varied food supply to sustain the physical and mental well-being of people living off-world.

In this immersive experience, we’ll guide you through 4 “research” stations while Mars rovers roam outside.

More Information/Registration:

Spotswood     Wodonga      Bendigo     Shepparton

Conservation Ecology Centre, Cape Otway

Date/Time: Tuesday 13 Aug, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Price: $28.50 (lunch included), or view for free via YouTube

Location: Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (COPACC), Colac

Otways Ecological Research Forum

All science needs to be collaborative.  But in ecology, we take our lead from the ecosystem we study, where all components of the natural environment interlink and contribute to each other’s survival.

Ecological research and conservation science are key to mitigating the biodiversity crisis that Australia is currently facing. We’ll only do it by taking the whole community with us. Please feel welcome to join us for this year’s Otway Ecological Research Forum, where you’ll learn about all the fascinating, brave, and wind-swept science that is being undertaken in and around the Otway Ranges for the benefit of our extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.

More Information/Registration: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/2024-otways-ecological-research-forum-ecology-the-collaborative-science-we-must-get-right/colac/

Monash University

Date/Time: Friday 16 Aug – Saturday 17 Aug,  – 

Price: Free

Location: Monash University, Clayton Campus

Indigi-STEM Bootcamp

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from around Melbourne will discover real-world applications of STEM, explore Monash University’s cutting-edge laboratories, engineering workshops, and research facilities, and hear from Indigenous experts through interactive sessions and guided tours. Students will be challenged to problem solve real-life problems using teamwork and their science and technology skills. This event aims to address the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in science and higher education through celebration, empowerment, and culturally safe education.

More Information/Registration: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/2024-otways-ecological-research-forum-ecology-the-collaborative-science-we-must-get-right/colac/

Melbourne Water

Date/Time: Sunday 18 Aug, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Price: Free

Location: Western Treatment Plant, Cocoroc

STEMtastic Community Open Day at the Western Treatment Plant

This National Science Week, come on down to the Western Treatment Plant to learn more about the science and innovation that takes place to ensure wildlife – including some of the world’s rarest bird and frog species – will thrive for generations to come.

More Information/Registration:

https://www.melbournewater.com.au/things-to-do/events/national-science-week-comes-western-treatment-plant

Bass Coast Community Foundation

Date/Time: Monday 19 Aug, 11:00AM – Wednesday 21 Aug, 4:00PM

Price: $5.00 for a single entry.

Location: Lardner Park

Bass Coast Science Fair – Sustainable Science in our Everyday

An opportunity for people of all ages to create experiments, research or investigations that relate to the theme of Sustainable Science in our Everyday and showcase their findings as presentations, including posters, models, and demonstrations from Monday 19th August to Wednesday 21st August at the Wonthaggi Town Hall.

There will be 10 categories based on age/school year, plus an open category. Entries can be from individuals or small teams. The prizes will be $200 for the entry (individual or team) and $100 for the school if applicable.

All ages are invited to enter. Entries close Friday 9th August.

More information is available from [email protected]

More Information/Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1244402

National Science Week officially runs between 10 and 18 August in 2024, but there are events throughout the month of August to enjoy all over Australia. The national site lists all registered events at https://www.scienceweek.net.au/.

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