WA: How will you science in National Science Week 2020?

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Media release for the Western Australian National Science Week coordinating committee

Drive a simulated remotely operated vehicle, go on a virtual Scouts camp, investigate how to bring animals back from extinction and explore the world beneath Earth’s blue surface without leaving your living room – it’s all part of National Science Week 2020.

Due to COVID-19, National Science Week 2020 has gone digital, exploring the inspiring world of science and technology from the Inspiring Australia WA website across the month of August. Some in-person events have been re-introduced due to COVID-19 restrictions lifting in Western Australia.

Watch WA’s Chief Scientist, Peter Klinken, introduce National Science Week 2020 here.

Dr Keal Byrne, Chair of the WA NSWk Coordinating Committee, said “Online and socially distanced, this year’s National Science Week is an amazing smorgasbord of innovative technologies and ideas that help make the world a better place.

“Anyone who is curious about the world around them should dive in to find out about environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship and the impact STEM has on our lives and our planet.”

WA’s National Science Week flagship event is Deeper Blue and explores how to build a STEM career using one of the world’s most powerful resources: the ocean.

Through a series of videos and webinars, local STEM innovators reveal how they have created workable solutions that support healthy oceans, economies and communities. Participants will be inspired to get involved with ocean-based challenges with amazing prizes up for grabs.

Drive a simulated underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to be in the running to drive a real ROV off the coast of WA with GeoOceans. Or pitch an inspiring ‘ocean-preneurial’ idea and see it come to life with a mentorship with Bloom.

There is something for everyone at National Science Week and outside the flagship event, the science curious can learn about reversing animal extinction by joining A Day at DNA Zoo to watch a live DNA lab investigation in action.

Get slimy with Dr Magda and the Nerdy Nards Chemistry Zoom Party from ECU and Children’s University WA. Or learn about commercial food systems and food choices with the Farm to Fork computer game.

The West Australian Deaf Foundation will host Meet the Scientists – Sign Me up!, an AUSLAN-interpreted event to meet and learn from six acclaimed scientists, ask questions and take part in interactive activities.

Join the Scouts for a virtual camp to explore astronomy, mapping, chemistry and nature or entire a STEM monologue competition.

National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest festivals and was first held in 1997. The initiative is proudly supported by the Australian Government and partnered by CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC; and sponsors Cosmos, Discovery Science, NewScientist and Popular Science.

More than 1000 events will take place across Australia for National Science Week 2020, engaging more than 1 million people in inspiring and ground-breaking science and technology.

Dates: August

Get Involved: www.inspiringwa.org.au/nationalscienceweek