BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES - Inspiring ideas for National Science Week
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Photo: National Science Week
Inspiring ideas BUSINESS
for National & INDUSTRY
Science Week
ACTIVITIES
A NATIONAL WEEK CORNUCOPIA INSPIRING
OF SCIENCE OF EVENTS IDEAS
National Science Week is Over one million people participate • Profile staff members or sections of
Australia’s annual celebration in more than 1000 events across the industry that work in science, via
of science and technology, the country. Each year these social media. This raises awareness
running each year in August. events attract a wide audience of the scientific credibility and
We’ve put together this brochure from children to adults, and science fascination of your work.
of science-inspired ideas to amateurs to professionals.
help companies, industries and
Events are held by universities,
businesses plan an exciting
schools, research institutions,
week – or day – of activities.
museums, science centres,
This celebration of science is an libraries – and various industries
opportunity to acknowledge the and businesses. Industry plays an
contributions of Australian scientists important role in the community, with
to the world of knowledge. It the potential to inspire young people
also aims to encourage a wider about science careers, demonstrate
interest in science pursuits, and the practical application of science
to encourage young people to and technology in our everyday
be fascinated by the world. lives, and provide resources and
venues for science activities. Many
National Science Week is
Australian industries can play a role as
supported by the Australian
community leaders and spokespeople
Government in a variety of
to not only increase community
ways, including through the
scientific literacy but also encourage • Run a workshop or interactive display
$500 000 National Science
greater involvement with science. explaining some of the science used
Week Grants Program. Other
partners include CSIRO, the This pack aims to encourage in your industry, or illustrating a
ABC and the Australian Science industries, organisations and fun scientific concept (e.g. https://
Teachers Association (ASTA). local businesses to become westernsydneysciencehub.
involved in National Science wordpress.com/2016/08/19/
Week 2021 – including those that the-inner-worlds-of-fruit-and-
haven’t participated previously, veggies-red-blue-and-green/).
as well as those who are • Show the younger generation that
repeating their involvement. you are the employer of tomorrow,
The following pages include stories by running activities that allow them
of how a variety of industries have to see the science impact that your
supported and engaged with science- industry can have now and in future.
related endeavours in previous • If you’re running any kind of
National Science Weeks, a list of event in August, give it a bit of
event ideas, helpful tips and more flair with a science theme.
information. We hope this gives further
inspiration and encouragement to
either stay involved or get involved.
2
• Promote your products (e.g. books, • Host a staff Brain Break using our There are resources available
tools, science kits) that are science- kit, incorporate a morning tea, on the National Science
based and can inspire younger minds. run quizzes or try out the hands- Week website (https://www.
on activity ideas (https://www. scienceweek.net.au), including:
• Contact your local tertiary institution,
scienceweek.net.au/brainbreak).
CSIRO, or museum to ask for a • instructions on how to run an event.
scientist, engineer or other expert • Organise an educational program
• logos and characters to add to
to give a presentation linked to at your business using free
fliers, posters and advertisements.
your business, suggest ideas, videos, articles, resources and
or help develop partnerships. tools from The Royal Institution • a free workplace science quiz and
of Australia (https://education. activity instructions (Brain Break).
• If you are a local business or an
australiascience.tv).
industry leader arrange a public • events and other activities planned
talk about how important science • If your organisation includes for National Science Week.
is to your field. This engages the childcare or programs for young
• information on grants that are
public with your work, illustrates the people, book a Museum in a Box,
available annually; national large
real-world application of science, with real museum specimens, casts,
grants (up to $20 000, open around
and encourages more connected artefacts, dioramas, images, DVDs,
October for the following year)
relationships with clients. CDs, books and resources from
and smaller rounds of grants from
the Australian Museum (https://
• Host a science talk, panel discussion, states and territories (various,
australianmuseum.net.au/
or debate. Focus on a subject of open around February to May
learn/teachers/museum-box).
most interest to your business depending on jurisdiction).
and the community, discuss how • Highlight breaking news linked to
Contact your local Inspiring Australia
science can address the problems your industry’s area of science by
manager or National Science Week
facing your region, or highlight using the Australian Science Media
coordinating committee – they can
how science helps your Board or Centre’s resources to get the facts
provide assistance such as advice
leadership team make decisions and promote informed discussion
on becoming involved in science
about influencing the business. (http://www.smc.org.au).
activities, find speakers and connect
• Hold a speed-meet of STEM you with science experts, let you know
professionals from local about funding to seed local activities,
organisations, businesses, and alert you about local opportunities
universities and professional and activities you can join.
associations.
See https://www.industry.gov.au/
Some of these ideas have been funding-and-incentives/inspiring-
successfully run in the past, and australia-science-engagement-
are described in more detail in the in-australia and https://www.
case studies on the following pages. scienceweek.net.au/contacts for a
We hope they will foster curiosity list of contacts in your state or territory.
and inspire your own ideas.
REGISTRATION
Register your events on the
National Science Week website
at https://www.scienceweek.
net.au/my-account/my-events
Photos: National Science Week 3
SIGN ON TO SCIENCE ‘Karl was just great; he signed the SOUNDS A LOT
books with funny pens, asked the
In 2019 Dymocks Adelaide had a children what they were interested LIKE SCIENCE
booth at the Adelaide Convention in and wrote them funny messages,’ Usually we just enjoy music with our
Centre, dedicated to selling signed Mandy said. ‘We sold a couple of ears. But in Sounds like science, the
copies of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki’s hundred books that night – wish Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra
children’s science books. we sold that many every day!’ (VYSO) – with Prof Rob Morrison
‘Having a presence at National Books tend to sell better around and Dr Deane Hutton from the
Science Week at the Centre made times such as Christmas. However, Curiosity Show – helped audiences
sense from a business perspective, having an event such as National to enjoy it with their brains, too.
but we did it also because science Science Week in August highlights the ‘We are an orchestra that does
is an integral part of education importance of science to children. un-orchestra things,’ said VYSO
that we feel very strongly about
Mandy said her store carries President Susan Eldridge. ‘We’re
encouraging,’ said Mandy Macky,
science books that make information all about creating a new, immersive
owner of Adelaide’s flagship Dymocks
accessible for all ages, but in the experience that connects our
store. ‘It was a really great family
children’s selection especially, science audience with music and something
event. You could tell that the children
books sell very well. ‘Kids are always else, in this case science.’
were abuzz after coming out of Dr
Karl’s evening talk at the Convention excited about dinosaurs, space, The idea came about through Artistic
Centre and we continued the buzz by engines and chemical interactions,’ Director and Conductor of VYSO,
having the science books for sale.’ she said. ‘And if children read Ingrid Martin’s childhood love of the
science books they grow up familiar Curiosity Show. Ingrid, Rob and
Dr Karl signed copies of his with the names of scientists – like Deane then planned a show together
books for families at the Dymocks Ada Lovelace, who contributed to focussed on audience interaction.
booth for nearly two hours. the first computer programming.
Where would we be without her?’ Susan said the show would not
have been possible without their
2019 National Science Week grant.
‘We’re a voluntary community
orchestra, we just didn’t have the
funds.’ She also said having one of
these grants also meant they could
keep ticket prices low, enabling
access for the wider community.
At the show, audience members were
given party blowers that they were
encouraged to blow throughout the
performance in time with the orchestra.
Audience stamping contributed rhythm
to Queen’s We Will Rock You, and
a Mexican wave demonstrated the
movement of sound through a medium.
Photo: National Science Week
4
Sounds like science also explained A NATIONAL SCIENCE energy,’ Jane said. ‘In more recent
the scientific concepts behind each years, we’ve also had subject matter
of the instrument’s family groups. For WEEK POWERHOUSE experts present during the event
example, the percussion family was FOR OVER 10 YEARS and be part of panel discussions.’
explained in relation to rhythm, the
Since the desertSMART EcoFair’s Jane also said the value in company
brass in relation to vibration, and the
launch over 10 years ago, Power participation was directly linked
strings in relation to sound waves.
and Water in the Northern Territory to community engagement.
Through this National Science has continually supported the ‘It’s the questions we receive, the
Week show, VYSO was given media Alice Springs event held during information we can provide and the
exposure in a second-page article in National Science Week. great feedback from our audiences
The Age, live radio interviews with
Power and Water’s community that drives us to participate,’ she said.
Rob, interviews via podcasts, and
partnership coordinator, Jane Dellow, ‘Engagement at the EcoFair helps us
increased interest on social media.
said the company recognised to identify key issues, and address
Since the show, VYSO has received the importance of developing a any myths or information gaps. We
great community feedback via email relationship with the public. ‘We can then apply this knowledge to
and there are plans to sell the show invest in these partnerships because better inform our communication
recordings to broadcast. The show’s they are one of the most effective and engagement, improving how
three presenters, Ingrid, Rob and and authentic ways of enriching the the company moves forward.’
Deane are also considering selling the future of the Northern Territory, our
show on, for other orchestras to use. customers and our people,’ she said.
Susan said the most special part of The projects and initiatives that
the show was seeing the audience Power and Water promote are
appreciate learning about science, particularly aligned with science
and the joy that they (and the and creating a sustainable future.
orchestra members, many of whom
‘The EcoFair provides an opportunity
have careers in the science and
to talk about key issues, which include
tech field) gained from seeing their
water sustainability and renewable
childhood science heroes live.
Photo: National Science Week Photo: Jane Dellow, Power and Water
5
TAKING SCIENCE TO NEW HEIGHTS MAD SCIENTISTS AND
The Royal Australian Air Force ‘A big part of what we do is teaching CRAZY COCKTAILS
(RAAF) has merged physics and them the how, what and why of the
During August 2017, 2018 and 2019
fun. With a pilot and crew, they balloon’s workings,’ he said. ‘The kids
the Hervey Bay Hog’s Breath Café has
have been taking their official RAAF love learning the basic physics behind
celebrated National Science Week, with
balloon all across the country to how it flies and how we steer it.’
staff dressing up as mad scientists and
celebrate a range of events, one of
Sam said he and his crew making experiment-themed cocktails.
which is National Science Week.
have activities planned for all
Owner Hayley Campbell said creating
Squadron Leader Sam Wright is weather conditions, too.
a fun and quirky in-store experience
one of the balloon’s pilots and
‘Weather permitting, we take people was part of the Hog’s Breath culture.
said his team usually went to rural
up in the balloon, but otherwise Her store includes one or two themes
areas of Australia that otherwise
we show them the basket and a month, which involve staff dressing
couldn’t experience the Air Force.
burner and can get into the nitty up on a Saturday, and in August, these
‘We bring the Air Force to them,’ gritty of how it operates.’ relate to science.
he said. ‘We turn it into a tour,
Sam also said the balloon was one ‘We like to choose a theme that is both
sometimes going away for a month.’
of the most cost-effective public a national celebration and is trying to
These balloon tours involve relations activities run by the RAAF, raise awareness for a cause,’ she said.
visiting schools where Sam and and that it was well supported
Having these themes sparks
his crew talk to students. by the senior military staff.
conversations among staff and
‘It’s cheap and it has a high impact customers around a particular topic
because it’s so interactive. The that influences the community.
whole experience feels more
‘I’d never even heard of National
personal because my crew and I
Science Week until we started
are teaching people face-to-face
doing the theme a few years ago!’
and sharing in their excitement
Hayley said.
as they enjoy the balloon.’
Before each event, the store posts a
The RAAF also promotes National
Facebook update promoting the theme
Science Week on social media,
and encouraging customers to also
and is especially focussed on
come dressed up.
promoting women in science
and technology careers. ‘We have a prize for the best dressed,
and by making customers’ experience
fun and interactive we encourage them
to come back,’ Hayley said.
Raising awareness doesn’t have to
break the bank, either. Hayley said her
store doesn’t have an allocated budget
for any of their themes and that they
re-use decorations and costumes to be
sustainable and efficient with funds.
Photo: Department of Defence. Royal Australian Air Force
6
SHINING A LIGHT ON SCIENCE
In 2018 and 2019, TasNetworks ‘The FOBI provides a great platform Allison said TasNetworks has a
participated in National Science Week to engage with what is most well-established and successful
via the Tasmanian-based event, the important to our customers,’ she Science, Technology, Engineering,
Festival of Bright Ideas (FOBI). said. ‘It is also an opportunity for Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)
us to personally share with them program in schools already. ‘For
TasNetworks owns, operates and
our future plans and challenges.’ us, it’s all about educating kids. The
maintains Tasmania’s electricity
FOBI enables us to directly engage
transmission and distribution TasNetworks’ employees also
with our target audience about
network, delivering power to homes benefit from the company’s
STEAM learning and careers.’
and businesses across the state. involvement in these customer-
facing events. The experience The FOBI attracts between 8000
Leader of community and stakeholder
provides job variety and develops a and 10 000 visitors annually, with
engagement, Allison Winter, said
greater connection to their work. 86 per cent of visitors reporting
their continual involvement was a ‘no
an increased interest in science
brainer’ after previous successes. Allison said the company values
afterwards, and 97 per cent reporting
being part of the FOBI as the
an increased awareness in the
events empower the communities
size, diversity and importance of
within which they operate. ‘We do
Tasmanian science, technology,
a number of events like National
engineering, and mathematics.
Science Week every year and we
always have a huge demand for staff
wanting to participate,’ she said.
The FOBI also provides TasNetworks
with an opportunity to engage with
potential future employees.
Photo: TasNetworks
7
TOP TIPS
Give yourself plenty of time Use the resources of the Children’s
for planning and advertising: Discovery Centre, such as their Little
August comes around quickly. Bang Book of Discovery’s simple
experiments to do at home (or at
FOR BUSINESSES, Check other local industry websites
work) using everyday items: https://
childrensdiscovery.org.au.
ORGANISATIONS to see what they’re up to.
AND INDUSTRIES Explore a galaxy of possibilities
Contact Inspiring Australia in for mobile STEM programs or
your state or territory, find a online learning on the STARportal,
local regional science hub and the Office of the Chief Scientist’s
tap into some local science: directory of STEM activities:
https://www.industry.gov. https://starportal.edu.au.
au/funding-and-incentives/
inspiring-australia-science-
engagement-in-australia Visit the CSIRO Education
page: https://www.csiro.au/
en/Education/Programs.
Check the National Science Week site:
https://www.scienceweek.net.au.
Use CSIRO’s Double Helix
magazine: https://www.csiro.au/
Check out Questacon’s list of hands- en/Education/Double-Helix.
on STEM activities: https://www.
questacon.edu.au/outreach/
programmes/questacon-smart- Be inspired by San Francisco’s
skills-initiative/workshops/ Exploratorium: https://
resources/teacher-resource- www.exploratorium.edu/
hands-stem-activities. explore/activities.
The National STEM School Education Check out the Powerhouse
Resources Toolkit aims to help Museum’s lesson plans and
teachers, school leaders, industry worksheets: https://maas.museum/
partners and others deliver high ecologic-learning-resources.
quality STEM initiatives in schools:
https://www.education.gov.au/
stem-education-resources-toolkit
Contact us
Follow National Science Week on Facebook (https://www.facebook.
com/nationalscienceweek) and Twitter (@Aus_ScienceWeek)
and tell us what your business is doing by tagging #scienceweek.
For general information about National Science Week,
contact the National Science Week Team at:
Email scienceweek@questacon.edu.au
Phone 02 6270 2880
Post Questacon, PO Box 5322, Kingston ACT 2604
Register your events on the National Science Week website at
https://www.scienceweek.net.au/my-account/my-events
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