Western Australians are being encouraged to celebrate and take part in a range of activities across the State during National Science Week.
This year’s Science Week will explore the use of glass in science, in celebration of the United Nations’ International Year of Glass.
This year’s school theme, ‘Glass: More than meets the eye’, encourages young Western Australians to explore everything from microscopy and forensics to modern technology, communications and astronomy.
Held from 13 to 21 August 2022, National Science Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), featuring hundreds of activities and events across Western Australia during August.
In 2021, there were 224 National Science Week activities held in metropolitan and regional communities in WA.
Coordinated in WA by the Western Australian Coordinating Committee for National Science Week, events and activities are delivered by a range of diverse organisations, including universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
Among the many National Science Week initiatives happening across August will be:
- The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research public lecture by Dr Sabine Bellstedt on 18 August at the Octagon Theatre, where the dynamic 2021-22 Superstar of STEM and widely published local astrophysicist will delve into how Indigenous Australian knowledge of the night sky is observed with the naked eye, how glass was employed in the development of telescopes, and how silicone is now used in supercomputers and radio astronomy.
- The ‘Glass: More than meets the eye festival’ at the Victoria Park Community Centre on 20 August that will be a family friendly day of fun to captivate and educate by offering hands-on engagement to learn about glass.
- The South West Science Fair delivered by the South West Science Council with a variety of exhibitors and STEM-based activities to bring the community together for an afternoon of learning and fun at the Bunbury Public Library on 13 August.
National Science Week provides opportunities for all Western Australians to explore and celebrate science by taking part in science activities, in-person and online events, talks, podcasts, at-home activities and competitions.
The Western Australian Coordinating Committee for National Science Week held a 2022 grant round to find and fund STEM-focused initiatives across WA.
Five initiatives in the Perth metropolitan area were awarded up to $10,000 from a $32,325 funding pool and 18 initiatives across regional WA were awarded up to $2,500 from a $37,660 funding pool.
National Science Week is an Australian Government initiative through Inspiring Australia. The WA Government supports Inspiring Australia in Western Australia through Scitech.
For more information on National Science Week events, please visit: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/your-state/wa/
As stated by Science Minister Roger Cook:
“National Science Week is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the value of STEM in fun and engaging ways, and is a fantastic way to inspire Western Australians to be curious about the world.
“Scientific literacy and STEM skills underpin many sectors of our economy and are essential to ensuring we can respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
“I encourage everyone to get involved in one of the many National Science Week events happening across the State.”
As stated by Chief Scientist of Western Australia Professor Peter Klinken:
“It’s important that we continue to inspire our next generation of scientists to explore the world of STEM, and the annual National Science Week does just that.
“In 2022 National Science Week aims to explore one of the most overlooked materials we use in the modern world but make such a difference to our lives – glass.
“Parents, teachers, students and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the world we live in are encouraged to take part in the many National Science Week activities and events occurring.”
