This National Science Week (August 12-20), the ABC is asking audiences to listen to the world around us as we explore the science of sound and search for Australia’s favourite animal noise.
Audiences can now vote for their favourite animal sound on the ABC Science website. During National Science Week we’ll be finding out more about some of the animals up for the top spot with the winner announced on Friday 18 August in a live “count down” blog on the ABC News website.
ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “We’re delighted to be bringing our audience a range of content around the science of sound this National Science Week. The ABC plays such an important role in educating and entertaining all Australian’s and to be able to celebrate the science of sound across Radio National, Catalyst, Play School, triple j as well as original content on ABC Listen and ABC iview is something we our incredibly proud of.”
Across our platforms we’ll also be celebrating Science Week with content exploring the soundscapes of our lives. We’re looking at urban noise and its impact on our mental health, visiting the quietest places in Australia and investigating the science of how sounds are made.
National Science Week highlights
Catalyst – The Soundtrack of Australia
Two-part Catalyst special: Tuesday 15 August and Tuesday 22 August at 8.30pm on ABC and ABC iview
Australia is a stunning country but we seldom tune in our ears to how it sounds.
In this two-part special, Dr Ann Jones is on an odyssey to gather iconic recordings of Australia and explore how they’re made, what messages they carry and how humans are harnessing the power of sound.
Play School: World By Night
Play School: World By Night starts Monday 14 August, airing weekdays at 9am on ABC Kids and ABC iview.
When the sun goes down, the world comes alive in many ways! Put on your cosy jammies and snuggle in for the Play School: World By Night series, exploring bedtime routines, nocturnal animals and bustling cities after dark. With special guests, Kirsten the astronomer and ‘Diva’ the barn owl, there’s plenty to see once day turns to night!
Science With Dr Karl
Thursday 17 August on triple j and ABC listen
In a special episode of Science with Dr Karl, Australia’s favourite Doctor and triple j’s Lucy Smith explore the physics of sound.
Nature Track
New episode Monday 14 August on ABC listen
A special Science Week episode of the Nature Track podcast will showcase the beautiful “Soundtrack of Australia” as recorded by Dr Ann Jones during the filming of the two-part Catalyst special.
Nature Track opens a window on the beautiful sounds of the Australian wilderness, with long, uninterrupted soundscapes that are perfect for work, exercise, meditation or sleep. Each unique track is carefully recorded on location in a different part of Australia.
ABC RN
A world of sound and noise will feature across ABC RN’s science shows and beyond, including an examination of hearing and dementia on the Health Report,
