Have you got a little budding Scientist or a nature lover who is passionate about saving the environment?
Put on a labcoat with the family to celebrate National Science Week (12th – 20th August). We have rounded up some of the best events happening around town that will get your kids inspired by science and all things tech.
Scitech Discovery Centre
Celebrate National Science Week at Scitech!
They’ve got something for everyone from coding basics with Bee-Bots for little ones, to a game of “Quick, Draw!” against AI. You can even help train AI to play noughts and crosses.
12-13 and 19-20 August, 10am – 3.30pm.
Activities are included in the cost of your Scitech ticket. Find out more at https://bit.ly/47igzhI
WA Museum – Biggest Science Lab Ever
WA Museum is celebrating National Science Week 2023 with a program that has a little something for everyone in a week of talks and tours, virtual science labs for students, and local activities at all six WA Museum locations around the State.
For more info: visit.museum.wa.gov.au/national-science-week
Waterbug Wonders
Take the opportunity to get up close and personal with the little creatures that live in local waterways.
Using microscopes and magnifying glasses to inspect them, kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the variety of spineless creatures present in the wetlands and rivers (and sometimes even puddles) that surround them!
FREE National Science Week Event with the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare.
Suitable for children aged 4 years and over.
National Science Week – Bird Brain @ Clarkson Library
As part of National Science Week we are focusing on educational and interactive talks about the latest research projects that cover bird cognition and behaviour and the impact of environmental changes in their habitat.
The study of animal cognition is a growing area in the scientific community. Defined as the way animals perceive, take in, store, and act on information from their environment, cognition is vital for animals to be able to make decisions, respond to changes, and plastically alter their behaviour. In our lab, we focus on the study of cognition and communication in birds, using two main study species; the Western Australian magpie, and the Southern Pied Babbler.
Kid’s Science Week Workshop
Join us for our special science workshop as we experiment with different ingredients to make sherbet. Learn all about the science behind the chemical reaction plus make some delicious sherbet to take home…it’s a win, win!
This is a kid’s workshop – Ages 4+.
Supersonic Science Workshop
Join in the fun as we celebrate National Science Week with a Supersonic Science Workshop.
This hands on workshop will include:
– Bubbleology
– Toroidal Vortex Cannon demo
– Elephants Toothpaste demo
– Phenomenal physics
– Cool chemistry
– Supersonic Snow (children take home)
– Supersonic Slime (children take home)
– Safety goggles to wear for the duration
Suitable for ages 5 – 12 years.
National Science Week – Up Close with Birds of Prey @ Wanneroo Library
As part of National Science Week we are focusing on educational and interactive talks about the latest research projects that cover bird cognition and behaviour and the impact of environmental changes in their habitat.
What a plume-filled treat!
We welcome WA Birds of Prey to our libraries, they will be showcasing 5 of their majestic feathered creatures in an interactive presentation. There will be owls, a falcon, and a wedge-tailed eagle.
Participants will learn about the science about bird behaviour, conservation and what individuals and group can do to preserve bird habitats. From exploring bird facts to making bird-nesting boxes, join us to learn about an assortment of scientific concepts.
Suitable for children aged 6 and over.
SCIENCE WEEK MAKE IT! – MARSHMALLOW CHALLENGE (AGES 5-12)
Put your engineering skills to the test. Using cornstarch packing peanuts build the tallest (but stable) structure you can. Then see if your building can hold a marshmallow up!
All children aged 12 and under must have an accompanying parent/carer present in the library during activity sessions.
National Science Week: Synths and Soundwaves at Old Midland Courthouse
Please note that this program is suitable for ages 15+, and is a hands-on workshop. Photographs and videos may be taken of the event.
In this program we’ll explore how synthesisers make a whole range of weird and wonderful sounds, and how these have shaped music for the past 60 years. You’ll also get a crash course on making your own sounds and tracks using Korg Little Bits Synth Kits.
Celebrate Science Week with Subiaco Library
Science Week – Design a Tiny LEGO House
Tuesday 15 August | 4pm – 5.30pm With natural disasters and lack of housing perhaps the solution is a tiny house – hook it up to your car and take your house with you! Attendees will get a chance to problem solve and design your own LEGO Tiny House. Needing to be moveable and liveable – what can you create?
Science Week – littleBits & Marble Run
Wednesday 16 August | 4pm – 5pm Come and enjoy learning and playing with littleBits circuits and make the most epic marble runs in an afternoon of fun and science discovery.
Science Week – Building with Paper
Thursday 17 August | 4pm – 5pm Join us for an afternoon of paper play and problem solving! What can you build that moves with paper? Paper aeroplanes, windmills, maybe a parachute or rocket.
SCIENCE WEEK MAKE IT! – SLIME (AGES 5-12)
Make your own stretchy, sticky slime and then have fun playing with it!
All children aged 12 and under must have an accompanying parent/carer present in the library during activity sessions.
National Science Week: Backyard Astrophotography Talk at Bullsbrook Library
Please note that this program is suitable for all ages, and is a presentation without hands-on activities. Photographs and videos may be taken of the event.
Have you ever wondered what’s out there? Join Lyam for a chat about the art of looking into the final frontier from the comfort of your own backyard using just a telescope, a camera and a laptop.
Please book in as spaces are limited. For all inquiries contact Bullsbrook Public Library on (08) 9207 8989.
SCIENCE WEEK MAKE IT! – OIL SPILL CHALLENGE (AGES 7-12)
Join Little Genius Science for an oil spill workshop. Our tankers spill chocolate oil in Washing Bowl Bay. How do we protect our coast? How do we clean it up the oil spill and how do we rescue injured wildlife?
This can be a messy workshop, so please dress accordingly.
All children aged 12 and under must have an accompanying parent/carer present in the library during activity sessions.
National Science Week – Re-Cyc-Ology Project @ Wanneroo Library
As part of National Science Week we are focusing on educational and interactive talks about the latest research projects that cover bird cognition and behaviour and the impact of environmental changes in their habitat.
Creating habitat to help wildlife find refuge in your own backyard is an incredibly rewarding way to engage with nature!
This can take serveral forms, including planting a native garden, installing a water-bath, digging inn a frog bog or even building a nest-box an artificial tree-hollow for mammals and birds needing a ‘home’.
Simon Cherriman and Danielle Crichton from The Re-Cyc-Ology Project specialise in constructing and installing long-lasting feral bee-resistant nest-boxes from recycled materials, and is showing YOU how to do the same, in their unique and engaging nest-box building demonstration.
“This National Science Week project is supported by the Australian Government”.
Target audience : Suitable for children aged 6 and over.
Science Alive Show – Very Strange Stuff
Celebrate National Science Week with Science Alive’s fantastic show all about Very Strange Stuff!
Explore the materials that make up our world. Adventures with liquids, solids and gases. Flying T-bags and huge bubbles.
National Science Week: Ask our Scientists at the Old Midland Courthouse
Join a panel of thinkers who have dedicated their work to caring for and understanding the land we live on. Come armed with all your burning questions and ask the experts as we explore the relationship between, plants, animals, and our unique environment.
Special Guests: The event will be chaired by Mandy Bamford (Zoologist and Science Communicator) and will feature Dr Harriet Mills (Terrestrial Ecologist and Program Leader – Perth Zoo Science), Grace Wyeth (Environmental Science) and HM Waugh (Children’s Author and Environmental Scientist).
Please book in as spaces are limited. For all inquiries contact Midland Public Library on (08) 9267 9020.
Caring for Our Wildlife
WA Wildlife is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre looking after sick and injured wildlife.
Join them for an introduction to Australian reptiles, birds and mammals. Have a hands on interaction with amazing wildlife. Learn about the importance of caring for the environment for our wildlife.
Check out the local events near you here or if you’re feeling ambitious, there are many resources for DIY activities with the kids.
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 14 & 12 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.