Fun for all ages this Science Week at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Get into interactive events, fascinating displays and creative fun at the museum this Science Week. Kids and students across Australia can jump online for the Science Week Quiz or visit our pop-up Ocean Lab in Centennial Park and Western Sydney Parklands.
Head into the museum to find out what’s so great about plankton and learn about First Nations peoples’ connection to Sea Country, see a Seabin in action and check out a stunning seascape rooftop projection after dark, created by the CSIRO.
Curator Emily Jateff says, ‘We have a fantastic Science Week program this year, which brings into focus current work in ocean science and sustainability technologies. I’m also really pleased to be speaking with University of Technology Sydney Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Turney, in the return of the museum’s Ocean Talks series. We are going to tackle some big questions on climate change, ocean health and carbon sequestration – and anyone can come along.’
Science Week at the Museum - 13-21 August
Rooftop projection: Streetview Seascape
Free, 6.00pm, nightly.
Art and science collide in this stunning animation that turns sound into light. CSIRO Research Vessel (RV) Investigator uses echosounders to collect bathymetric (depth measuring) data, transformed into stunning 2D and 3D maps that bring the seafloor to life, projected upon the museum’s iconic rooftop. A beautiful journey over underwater terrain, far beneath the ocean waves.
Ocean talks: Sea-ing the Future
6.00pm August 17
$20 adults; $12 members, doors open 5:30pm
Is there a climate crisis? Can the oceans help to buy us some time? What is ocean carbon sequestration? Join the museum’s Ocean Science and Technology curator, Emily Jateff with University of Technology Sydney Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Turney, as they discuss the impacts of climate change and the prospect of a zero-carbon economy for Australia. Book here
Science in the Park: Pop-Up Ocean Lab
Free, August 14 and 21
Meet the pint-sized planet protectors that save our seas - phytoplankton and zooplankton. Create beautiful cyanotype prints, explore aquatic specimens under the microscope and upcycle marine debris into spectacular new creations. Explore Sydney harbour biodiversity by underwater drone and get hands-on with preserved creature specimens and slippery slimy experiments inspired by the sea. Ocean Lab is free, presented in partnership with Greater Sydney Parklands.
For more information and to book go to Science in the Scrub, Western Sydney Parklands, August 14 and
Science in the Swamp, Centennial Park, August 21.
Ocean Science
Plankton superpowers and marine food webs
They may be small, but only in size! Discover the superpowers of plankton in our Ocean Science program. Students will discover the beauty and diversity of plankton and their vital role in the marine food web. We’ll catch plankton samples from the wharf and view a microscopic world, buzzing with activity, geometric shapes and tiny creatures with alien features.
Ocean pollution and waste management
Discover how you can help to clean up the ocean.
In this program, students take a ‘trash and treasure’ tour, solving riddles to find plastic trash and marine treasures. Learn about sustainability, First Nations peoples’connection to Sea Country, the effects of plastic on food chains, and see a Seabin in action! See science and technology working to tackle waste management, and learn to reduce your plastic footprint on the ocean.
Click here for more information
There’s more to Science Week online
Live, By Request and On-demand learning
Upcoming, live online events, presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum, with the NSW Department of Education’s DART* (Distance and Rural Technology) program.
Ocean Plastics (Years 3-6) (Stage 2, Stage 3) 2.00pm August 10 & 10.00am August 11
Learn about Sustainability and Ocean Plastic, one of the worst types of pollution affecting our oceans.
Science Week Quiz with the Maritime Museum (years 3-6) (stage 2, stage 3) 2.00pm August 11
Test your knowledge about ocean science and learn some fun facts with our interactive online quiz, playing against students across Australia, as individuals or in teams. Click here for starting times in all states.
About DART
Discover a wealth of excellent learning experiences, drawn from museums, galleries, research institutes, scientists, writers, athletes, artists, educational organisations, musicians, zoos and more.
The NSW Department of Education’s DART (Distance and Rural Technology) Learning brings knowledge to life for all students, across subject areas.
ENDS