The Discovery Centre’s National Science Week 2013 celebrations went off with a bang at a huge Science by the Sea Open Day last Saturday, with literally hundreds of budding new scientists attending.  It was clear from the beginning that our staff members and volunteers know just how to make science fun, with children creating tornadoes in coke bottles, making slime or fossils, and even detecting  their own DNA.

As if that wasn’t enough, people of all ages took part in a citizen science workshop with EarthWatch Institute Australia using a new smartphone app.  Marine Scientist Sheree Epe gave a comprehensive overview of what makes sharks special (before dissecting a small cat shark!) and then Education Officer Jillian Riethmuller finished the day with a bang when she created a small explosion from Mentos and diet coke.

Younger children clamoured around the touch tank all day and parents tried to tire them out on the Finding Nemo jumping castle, in between munching on Rotoract’s barbecue or RSPCA’s cupcakes, whilst Fishcare Volunteers manned an informative display about sustainable recreational fishing practices.  SCMDC was also thrilled to host a group of university student ambassadors from The Australian National University who supported the Centre’s own trained volunteers throughout the day.

Face-painter Veronica White had a steady stream of little faces to decorate and adults were able to find out about visiting exhibits such as the Love our Lakes project, Potoroo Palace, Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness and even Montreal Goldfields from the north of the Shire.

The Open Day completed a very busy National Science Week for the Discovery Centre, which began with a Brain-Break trivia event at Sprout Eden on Monday and a fantastic Trivia Night on Friday.  The Centre wishes to thank the many local businesses who supported the events with a wide range of great prizes. 

SCMDC’s National Science Week events were proudly supported by the Australian Government, as well as partners CSIRO, Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC.