Illawarra's event guide to National Science Week

The annual event includes science experiments, science seminars, and films for all ages from Saturday, August 12 to Sunday, August 20.

This year students in Illawarra schools are exploring the theme 'Innovation: Powering Future Industries'. Students will discuss the advancement in technology with a focus on artificial intelligence.

There are multiple science events hosted by the University of Wollongong (UOW), schools and local councils.

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Indigenous science, songlines and stars

UOW Science Space

Tuesday, August 15, 6pm to 9pm. $10 per person.

Learn about the black duck songline and the seven sister star cluster with Adjunct fellow Dr Robert Fuller. Then listen to a presentation from Dharawal custodian Dr Jodi Edwards about whale songlines that connect First Nations along the east coast of Australia.

Science Showcase, live ABC broadcast

UOW Wollongong campus

Wednesday, August 16, 8.30am to 6pm. Free

ABC Illawarra will be broadcasting live from the UOW Wollongong campus. Mornings show Nick Rheinberger and Drive with Lindsay McDougall will be participating in all kinds of experiments and challenges throughout the day. The broadcast also includes interviews with scientists, science trivia, and a human body quiz.

'Is Antarctic science worth the carbon miles?'

UOW Wollongong campus

Friday, August 18, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Free

While Antarctica is a protected natural reserve, fossil fuels are needed for most activities, including scientific research. Professor Dana Bergstrom poses the question is the carbon footprint created from scientific research worthwhile?

Professor Bergstrom has been working for the last 20 years at the Australian Antarctic Division including documenting a record-breaking heatwave.

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The position of the sun and stars

Shellharbour Civic Centre City Library

Thursday, August 17, 6pm to 7.30pm. Free

How does cataloguing stellar positions help us understand our milky way galaxy and solar system? Learn about galaxies far away with University of Wollongong Associate Professor Bill Zealey.

Scinema short film festival

Gerringong Library

Friday, August 18, 10am to 4.30pm. Free

A drop-in screening of the largest short science film festival in the southern hemisphere.

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