National Science Week events re-geared to people of all abilities. Check out these examples:
- Circuit breaking and making for all—Melbourne
- Scientists tell their career stories, with an Auslan interpreter—Perth & Bunbury
- Build viruses using couscous and chook-wire—Melbourne
- Inclusive experiments and games —Canberra
These are just a few of the events and activities happening across Australia during National Science Week (August 15 to 23).
Several on-line and in-person events have an Auslan interpreter, including:
- SciVR virtual reality tour of the solar system, with astrophysicists Rebecca Allen and Alan Duffy.
- STEM careers Q&A, with astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith, robotics company founder Marita Cheng, and epidemiologist Kalinda Griffiths.
Find more Auslan-supported events here.
If you’re after more great ideas for highly visual stories, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at www.scienceinpublic.com.au/science-week, and on Twitter at @SciWKMedia.
Scientists and event organisers are available for interview throughout National Science Week.
Individual event details and media contacts
Making for all—Melbourne VIC
Get hands-on with one Monash University’s Making for All introductory engineering and technology circuit-making kits.
Learn with easy-to-use components, such as large foam blocks that can be pushed together with the back of a hand, and conductive tape instead of the fiddly fine wires traditionally used in circuit-making.
The kits have been designed for young adults with significant sensory, motor or cognitive disabilities.
Monday 17 – Friday 21 August. Event details
Meet the Scientists – Sign Me Up!—Perth & Bunbury, WA
This program allows children who are deaf and hard of hearing to meet scientists from all different disciplines, from astrophysics to robotics. Auslan Interpreters and brunch are provided. Siblings and friends welcome.
Organised by the WA Foundation for Deaf Children, the program is geared to children aged between 6 and 12, providing them with exposure to science as a career pathway, building confidence in scientific concepts and inspiring them through science.
Participants will meet six scientists, learn about their work, ask questions and do hands-on activities in an accessible and inclusive environment.
There will be sessions in Perth and Bunbury.
Guests at the Perth event include microbiologist Rina Fu, robotics expert Tane Pendragon, parasitologist Cindy Palermo, astrophysicist Christene Lynch, geologist Richard Hingston, and meteorologist Jessica Lingard.
Perth: Sunday 16 August. Event details
The Bunbury event will feature microbiologist Rina Fu, robotics expert Tane Pendragon, parasitologist Cindy Palermo, and astrophysicist Christopher Jordan.
Bunbury: Sunday 23 August. Event details
Event type: in person
Sensory Science Exhibition: build, see, and hear viruses—Melbourne, VIC
Make a virus model using couscous and chicken wire and listen to sounds inspired by viruses.
Plunge into a microscopic world to explore viruses without the use of specialised scientific equipment, guided by artists Dr Erica Tandori and Stuart Favilla.
Erica is a legally blind artist-in-residence in the Rossjohn laboratory at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. She creates sculpture and interactive artworks designed to make the science of viruses accessible to people with low vision and other disabilities.
Stuart is a sound artist and lecturer within the School of Design at Swinburne University. His research interests span human computer interactions, ultrasound, mood disorders, and aged care.
The exhibition is designed to be easily accessed by everyone, with instructions and autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) for people with low vision.
Science Alliance—Canberra, ACT
Watch members of the ACT Down Syndrome Association and education researcher Vanessa de Kauwe present a live demonstration of science experiments and games.
Science Alliance was developed by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities, aimed at empowering neuro-diverse students.
Thursday 20 August. Event details
Vanessa is available for media opportunities, together with a student (and guardian) with disabilities.
About National Science Week
National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year 1.5 million people participated in more than 2050 events around the country, in metropolitan, regional and remote locations.
In 2020, the festival is almost entirely virtual, online, DIY and well-spaced. This means most events, large and small, is open to anyone, no matter where they live.
National Science Week 2020 will run from 15 to 23 August. Media kit at www.scienceinpublic.com.au, public event listings at www.scienceweek.net.au.