19 July 2012 – Celebrate the wonders of science at the Powerhouse Museum as part of the Ultimo Science Festival, 16 to 26 August. From hands-on activities and science shows for kids to fascinating lectures, exhibitions and behind-the-scenes tours for practitioners, students and science enthusiasts alike.
Behind-the-scenes Curator Tours
Saturday and Sunday 18, 19, 25 and 26 August, 2pm
Monday 20 and Thursday 23 August, 2pm and 6pm
Take an exclusive peek at the extraordinary depth and breadth of the Powerhouse Museum’s Science and Technology collection in storage. The Museum’s store areas are filled with amazing objects, each with their own fascinating story. These tours will explore the treasure trove of dental, medical, scientific and technological instruments, objects and curios usually unseen by the public. For ages 14 and over.
Cost: $35 per person, $31 for PHM members and students. Bookings essential.
Big Night of Science
Saturday 18 August, 6pm – 8pm (doors open 5.30pm)
A big night out for those who love science, featuring international guest speaker Professor Jack Copeland, world authority and currently the most prolific author on the work of code-breaking genius Alan Turing, whose centenary is celebrated this year. Host Dr Paul Willis (from ABC’s Catalyst, now Director of RiAus), will lead you through a feast of talks, discussion and participation. See objects from thePowerhouseMuseum collection on display with curators on hand to tell you more about them and add spark to your evening with hands-on activities conducted by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Plus there’s live jazz, drinks and canapes. Recommended for Over 18s (and accompanied science fans over 14 years). Cost: $15 per person. Bookings essential.
Big Science Weekend
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm
A weekend of fabulous science action for all ages with thought-provoking talks, hands-on workshops and entertaining science shows! Join in a lively discussion between Matt Boyd, author of I,Wolf, and representatives fromMuseum ofHuman Disease on the genetics of becoming a werewolf. Be amazed at the mind-boggling science tricks of the Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman, as you witness the bizarre effects of liquid nitrogen on ordinary objects like balloons, rubber ducks, and sausages. Find out all about the science behind magic power bands, beds of nails, water diving and much more with the Mystery Investigators team. Plus the little ones can enjoy science shows, discover the magic of chemistry, build marvellous molecules or create their own super slime with Cogs, the Museum’s problem-solving robot. All ages. Cost: $30 family, $12 adult, $8 concession, $6 child. Avoid the queues and prebook tickets.
Speed Meet a Geek
Saturday 18 August, 2pm – 4pm
No it’s not a dating event – it’s a rare chance for you to sit down for a chat face-to-face with research scientists and find out all about their work, first hand. We have invited astronomers, physicists, biologists, mathematicians, environmental scientists and many more. For ages 14 and over. Free with general Museum admission: $30 family, $12 adult, $8 concession, $6 child. Bookings essential, places limited.
The Einstein Lecture 2012: It’s a small, small world
Tuesday 21 August, 6.30 pm (doors open at 5.30pm)
Experimental physicist, Dr Michael J. Biercuk, from the Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems at the University of Sydney, will talk about things on the nanoscale, where our classical understanding of the laws of physics breaks down and we now have to think ‘quantum’. Dr Biercuk runs a research group performing cutting-edge experiments using trapped atomic ions as a model quantum system. Ticket includes light refreshments. For ages 14 and over. Cost: $5 adult, $2 under 18s. Bookings essential.
The Beast Within: dissecting the ethics of animal experimentation
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm for 6.30pm start
When you pop a pill or slather on sunscreen, what or who’s it been tested on before it gets to you? From chimps to cats, rabbits to rats – what role do animals have in scientific & medical research today? How have practices changed behind lab doors? Some animals are loved companions, others destined to become lab rats – who decides and how? What’s your view on animal testing? Join science journalist Natasha Mitchell, host of ABC Radio National’s Life Matters and guests for a debate that goes to the heart of what it means to be human. For ages 14 and over. Cost: $15 per person. Bookings essential.
Fastbreak: Science = Danger
Friday 24 August, 7.45am – 9am
Five sharp presenters from various industries tackle big questions and ideas early in the morning! Guest speakers will include astronomer Lisa Harvey Smith, broadcaster and digital content creator Daniel Keogh, ABC TV science researcher Wendy Zukerman and experimental quantum physicist Dr Michael Biercuk. Cost: $10 per person, includes light breakfast. Bookings essential.
Art and Science Soiree
Thursday 16 August, 6pm
Scientists and artists are invited to meet at this informal event and get to know each other with a view to possible collaborations. The focus will be on developing projects that allow artists to speak for scientists in ways that engage audiences with the often difficult subject matter of modern research. Cost: $15. Booking essential.
Science Snaps
Daily
Have your photo taken with Alan Turing, Albert Einstein, Douglas Mawson and more! Find the life-sized figures of some of the world’s most significant scientists within the Museum, learn more about their work and get a fan photo standing side-by-side. For all ages. Free with general Museum admission.
Bicycle: simple idea, complex evolution
Daily
Explore the evolution of the humble bicycle in this small display. See an early 1800s pedal-less hobby horse, an 1830s treadle-driven bike, a Penny Farthing and Australian Olympic Superbike. For all ages. Free with general Museum admission.
Event: Ultimo Science Festival
Dates: 16 – 26 August 2012
Address: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
Bookings: powerhousemuseum.com/usf or contact 9217 0222.
Further media information, images or interviews:
Hayley Gallant, PowerhouseMuseum
Tel: 02 9217 0169 / 0413 985 277
Email: hayleyg@phm.gov.au
