Media release from National Science Week Tasmania
VISION OPPORTUNITY: 10:00am Friday 9 August at the Festival of Bright Ideas, Princes Wharf No.1, with Minister for Science and Technology, Hon. Michael Ferguson MP
Thousands of Tasmanians will stream into venues across Tasmania to experience science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) events this August. There are more than 60 events to choose from, including custom dance performances based on local research, pop-up science bars, intimate talks with world leading scientists, quiz nights, nature tours, community STEM festivals and more.
This Friday 9 August, the Minister for Science and Technology, Hon. Michael Ferguson MP, will officially launch National Science Week’s huge program of events in Hobart.
The launch will take place at Tasmania’s Festival of Bright Ideas (FOBI). FOBI is a community celebration of the Tasmanian science sector. More than 40 Tasmanian STEM organisations band together under one roof to shine a spotlight on Tasmania’s world-class science sector and invite the public in to experience all they have to offer.
This year FOBI plays host to three big science shows on the Lightwave Stage: DIY Science with Clare Van Dorssen, The Scientific Bubble with Marty McBubble, and Magnus’ Explosion Laboratory featuring Magnus Danger Magnus. Along with these spectacular live performances, there will also be workshops, tours, and interactive exhibits throughout Princes Wharf No.1 including solar car racing on the forecourt. Families will enjoy a full day of activities and events to stimulate curious minds.
The Minister will also be launching the 2019 Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards.
The Festival of Bright Ideas is open to the public on Saturday 10 August, 10am-5pm. Tickets are available at festivalofbrightideas.com.au.
MEDIA LAUNCH & VISION OPPORTUNITY FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 10AM – FOBI SCHOOLS DAY
The Minister for Science and Technology, Hon. Michael Ferguson MP will be launching National Science Week at the Festival of Bright Ideas schools day. Also in attendance will be the Tasmanian National Science Week Coordinating Committee Chair, Andy Baird (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery). Vision of students engaging with science and vibrant, active crowds will be available.
VISION GUIDE: school students from across Tasmania interacting with displays, dancing robots, VR dome with space visuals, Antarctic Division displays, students using VR
+Main stage shows: from 10.30am to 2.30pm (every 40 mins) – science shows with explosions, bubbles, hosts in character, etc. 10.30am is The Science Cowboy who appeared this week on Australia’s Got Talent and is also performing at two sold out shows in the evening.
More Information
National Science Week is Australia’s annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss the hot topics, do science and celebrate its cultural and economic impact on society.
First held in 1997, National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year saw a staggering 1.2 million people participate in over 2100 events and activities.
In 2019, National Science Week events will be held right throughout Australia—from Corals in the Outback in western Queensland to TAStroFest astronomy in the Apple Isle, and from the Perth Science Festival to The Innovation Games at Sydney Olympic Park—with everything from science festivals, music and comedy shows, expert panel discussions, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities.
The festival is proudly supported by the Australian Government; partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC; and media sponsors including Cosmos and Popular Science.
National Science Week 2019 will run from 10-18 August but events in Tasmania will run all of August. Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.
For further information or assistance on the day please contact jenni.klaus@utas.edu.au or 0414701134, Communications and Events Manager, National Science Week Tasmania.
#scienceweek #fobi19