National Science Week 2012: A sexy success
by Jillian Browning • August 24, 2012 • Announcements, Education, Events • 0 Comments
The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre teamed up with a number of partners for a week of fun, trivia and sexy science during National Science Week 2012. It was a huge success with lots of people getting involved with science in a fun and engaging way.
With the support of the Australian National University (ANU), SCMDC welcomed guest speaker Sheree Marris back to the region for a series of presentations to local high schools amid a number of initiatives to showcase how science can be fun.
Bega High School, Lumen Christi Catholic College and Eden Marine High School students heard of the many and varied career opportunities available to anyone who studies marine sciences at university and some of the quirky sex behaviours of the local marine life.
Ms Marris, a former Young Australian of the Year Environmental Award winner, had the students completely engaged with stories of diving with great white sharks, international travel and amazing adventures – all based on her own life as a marine scientist and environmental communicator.
A packed house attended the Discovery Centre’s Marine Mania Trivia Night on the Wednesday night at the Merimbula Wharf Restaurant and Aquarium and a similar number enjoyed a hilarious presentation by Sheree Marris on Friday night based on her book KamaSEAtra – Secrets of Sex in the Sea.
National Science Week was sewn up on Saturday with an Open Day at the Discovery Centre featuring displays by ANU, National Parks and Merimbula Aquarium. The day involved a wide range of science activities, from tsunami demonstrations to insect displays and more. The inclement weather did not stop a crowd of people calling in, with the children enjoying making slime, decorating shells and fish feeding, amongst other activities.
SCMDC Marine Education Officer Jillian Riethmuller was thrilled with the entire week, saying “making science fun is part of my background so working with colleagues and partners to showcase this event was fantastic. We were rapt with the interest from students and community members alike and will definitely conduct similar activities next year.”