The Sapphire Coast will be celebrating science in a big way this year through a Science Festival during  National Science Week from Saturday 16 to 23 August.  With significant funding through the Australian Government Inspiring Australia program, a group of organisations led by the Atlas of Life, has formed the Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub which will conduct a variety of science and technology activities for the whole community.

• Conversations with ANU experts on climate, fire and water issues – Wednesday 13 August, 3pm-5pm at Bega Library. Book online

• Bournda Launch Event – Saturday August 16 – 1pm – 6.45pm. Book online

• Presentations on Aboriginal science focussed on the Bundian Way and a presentation on Aboriginal astronomy by Dr Duane Hamacher (UNSW) at Jigamy Farm – Tuesday 19 August, 4pm – 6.30pm. Book online

• Introduction to plant identification – Wednesday 22 August, 9.15 to 12.30pm, Bega.  A hands-on introduction to the use of botanical keys, online databases, herbaria and other tools to identify local native plants. Learn tips to quickly identify the main plant families. Plant samples, printed and online resources, microscopes and hand lenses will be provided for use at the workshop.

• Panboola walks and talks – Thursday August 21, 10am – 12pm.
  The guided walks will take people around the entire site with a focus on the Bioblitz results, bird observation/watching and a journey through the history (and a glimpse into the future!) of Panboola. Book online

• Science Cafe – Thursday August 21, 1 -4.30pm at Oaklands, Pambula.  No booking required
• CoWS near the Coast IT workshops – Fri 22 4.30pm to 8pm; Sat 23 10am to 12pm; 12.15pm to 1.15pm; and 1.30pm to 5pm. Anyone, even beginners, with a curiosity about how computers and modern devices like smart-phones work are encouraged to come along and explore the wonderful world of coding at one of these 4 workshops on offer – promising to be a fun learning experience!

• Trivia Night: Food for Thought – Friday August 22, 6.30 for 7pm at Twyford Hall, Merimbula. Book your table now, $5 per person, tables of 8.

• SCMDC Open Day -Saturday August 23, 10am – 3pm at SCMDC, Eden Wharf.
  Gold coin entry to the Discovery Centre. Come in for a variety of hands-on science activities based on the 2014 Science Week theme of Food for our future. We will showcase some fun science with food such as a smartie party or a milky rainbow. There will be displays from a number of community and environment groups and a citizen science workshop and visit to the local rock pools with EarthWatch Institute Australia.
  Bookings required for the rock pool survey. Participation in the survey is free and open to all ages. Call 02 6496 1699 or email education@sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au to book in.