Latest news with #NationalScienceWeek
Time Out
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Australia's coolest science festival returns to Tasmania for another mind-blowing year in 2025
You won't find many festivals where you can plunge into icy Arctic waters, speed-date scientists, drink booze with death experts, or debate the science of sex – but that's just a taster of the program at Beaker Street Festival. Returning to Tasmania in August 2025, Australia's quirkiest science and arts festival is ready to blow your mind with more than 70 wild and wacky events, all focused around themes of death, pleasure and humanity. This year, the festivities will unfold during National Science Week – from Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 17 – with activations spanning from the Tasmania Museum and Gallery, City Hall and The Old Mercury Building, to lively pubs, bars and restaurants dotting the Hobart waterfront and CBD. Forget boring school science experiments or dull university lectures – this year's Beaker Street program is one of its biggest and boldest yet. The festival's signature stage at Hobart City Hall will return with headline talks and raucous debates. You can learn about the science of better sex in Come Again? An Evening of Sex and Science, look for love in Melbourne's cult nerd-dating show Human Love Quest: Your Chemical Romance!, question AI in What's Your p(Doom)?, see Dr Karl in a headline solo show, and test your knowledge in the festival's flagship Beaker Street Game Show. It's a rite of passage for anyone visiting Antarctica to brave the cold with a polar plunge. Beaker Street Festival will once again bring this freezing 'hot trend' to the Hobart waterfront, aka Australia's Gateway to Antarctica, so you too can freeze in the name of science. Don't worry, a steamy sauna will be waiting to defrost you post-plunge. Back by popular demand, Beaker Street's Roving Scientist Bar will take over Hope and Anchor – Australia's oldest continuously licensed pub – for three lively nights of speed dating, science-style. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery will be the heart of the festival's free program, featuring After Dark sessions, where you can explore the galleries and exhibitions late at night, including the 9th annual Science Photography Prize. As we mentioned before, this really is just a taster of the Beaker Street Festival program. Budding scientists and curious travellers can also dine beneath the starry night sky, play hide and seek with pink-glowing possums, witness the wonders of the Aurora Australis, harvest mushrooms in a historic tunnel, and tour a cutting-edge seaweed farm. Ready to geek out? You can peruse the full program here.
Mail & Guardian
20-05-2025
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
AK NPC and SADTU joint training programme for science club practitioners at Cape winelands and Overberg schools
In the first school term of 2025, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) held meetings with AK NPC to discuss the advancement of science and science education in schools and how these two organisations could collectively assist schools to provide learners greater exposure to science and technology. After deliberations between members of AK NPC and SADTU , it was decided to respond to the many calls for assistance to develop science clubs from the stakeholders (subject advisors, education officials, principals and science teachers) of two Western Cape Education Department (WCED) districts, namely Cape Winelands and Overberg. This initiative stems from the members of Advancing Knowledge NPC's long-standing involvement in establishing science clubs at schools in these districts. For example, in 2004 the first science club competition was arranged at Cape Winelands Education District Office in Worcester where science clubs from more than 20 schools (including primary and secondary schools) participated. The science club competition has since been held annually in Worcester and in the year 2025, AK NPC will be hosting its 21 st annual science club competition . The members of Advancing Knowledge NPC annual STEM Roadshows to rural schools across the country mostly consisted of teachers from Cape Winelands and Overberg schools. The road shows formed part of the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's National Science Week during which time science shows, science exhibitions and science club activities were held for learners and teachers who were continuously encouraged to develop science clubs at their schools. In 2024, Advancing Knowledge NPC held a training programme for science club practitioners of the West Coast and teachers from Cape Winelands and Overberg region served as facilitators in the training to share their experiences as champions of science clubs. Prof Shaheed Hartley as Director of Advancing Knowledge NPC together with Garden Cities Archway Foundation (GCAF) and Western Cape Education Department (WCED) have to date constructed a total of 28 brand new science laboratories (14 primary and 14 secondary) at Cape Winelands and Overberg districts schools – a further 4 science laboratories are currently constructed in Overberg. This two-day training was held on 15 and 16 May 2025 at Bonnievale Primary School near Swellendam. A total of 65 teachers from 33 schools of the two education districts attended the training on each day. The training programme was opened by SADTU representatives Jonita Philander and Russel Sampson who encouraged teachers to use the skills and knowledge gained over the two days to establish their science clubs. Prof Shaheed Hartley (Director AK NPC) provided an overview of the establishment of science clubs in the two districts, provided teachers with a guide on how to create and advance science clubs at their schools and how to successfully sustain the science activities conducted in the science club. Safety precautions and procedures when working with science activities were especially emphasised. Teachers were divided into three groups to attend the three parallel sessions prepared for the science club training namely physics, chemistry and technology. One of the venues was the science laboratory (STEM TLC) built by the partnership between AK NPC, GCAF and WCED. The training programme was alternated over the two days to allow everyone to attend each of the three parallel sessions. In each session teachers were faced with demonstrations of interesting activities by experienced facilitators and then allowed hands-on participation in the activities ready-made to be transferred into their science clubs. The three sessions were led by facilitators Mark Ogilvie (York Road PS) and Dr Gillian Arendse (iThemba Labs) in physics, Robert Solomon (CPUT) in technology and Gert Marero (Ashton HS) in chemistry. They were supported by co-facilitators and experienced science club practitioners Danie Burger (AK NPC), Analida Malies (Dagbreek PS), Evelyn Johnson (Bonnievale PS), Joanne Lindeboom (Oker PS), Abigail Joseph (Langeberg HS), Devon Espin and Recobin Conradie (Ashbury PS), Mira Snyman (Le Chasseur PS), Lucinda van Wyk (Kenwyn PS), Saadiqah Fraden, Yura Joubert and Somila Dlakavu (AK NPC interns) and Melissa Petersen (AK NPC projects coordinator). The 2-day programme was an opportunity for science and other interested teachers to participate in training on how to establish a science club from scratch and/or to renew, reinvigorate and advance existing initiatives in this regard. Teachers were taken by hand and showed how to start with elementary science experiments, investigations, exhibitions and activities and to expand on it in terms of the level of difficulty and complexity. During the training emphasis was laid on safety and the use of elementary everyday products to illustrate science concepts, principles and procedures. All three sessions had teachers 'oohing and aahing' while cheering and applauding the flow of engaging activities and outcomes that challenged their scientific knowledge and understanding. This was interspersed with the regular controlled huge explosions and loud bangs, and a spectrum of coloured flames as Gert Marero and his chemistry colleagues took teachers to areas of greater possibility, while Mark and Robert's teams took turns to fetch water rockets from the school's upper-story roof. A final session consisting of a science show by Dr Gillian Arendse (iThemba Labs) and members of the AK NPC team of facilitators rounded off proceedings. The overriding idea of the training was for teachers to translate the gained knowledge and skills to their learners in a science club at their schools and for the science club to participate in the science club competition of the two districts. The Cape Winelands-Overberg Science Club Competition will take place on 02 October 2025 at the Cape Winelands Education District Offices in Worcester. EVALUATION The following are some of teachers' perceptions of science club training expressed in their evaluations: This science club training added so much value to my development as a science club practitioner because I did not learn this stuff at university. There was a lot of concepts and information that I did not know before but now I can share this new knowledge with my learners in the science club and in my science lessons. I learnt that science is fun. The practical activities done increased my skills and knowledge. I have learnt to teach a concept in a variety of ways to learners especially practically so that they can explore especially in the science club. A science club is the first thing I will start with my learners. I need to let them do things on their own but also guided by me. Thank you SADTU and AK NPC. This was the best workshop for me to attend. More please. Yes new knowledge and skills were gained but also how to use everyday products and materials for experiments. Absolutely loved this training. It was exciting, exhilarating, scary, fun, entertaining and knowledge-bearing. Oh so much knowledge and skills on how to do experiments using simple products that you get everywhere. I cant wait to implement this in my science club but also for NST (natural science and technology). I can't wait for the booklets that you guys are going to e-mail us so that we can do some of the experiments. In the meantime I have so many videos that I took of every activity I witnessed. Thanks Prof and the guys, this was well worth attending. If only all the workshops could have this kind of entertaining and interactive basis instead of the boring meetings that one is forced to attend. You guys kept our attention and concentration, not because you asked us but because we wanted to be part of everything that was happening. We did not want to miss anything. The information we received was sometimes overwhelming. I can understand the limited time we worked with but you actually needed 2 days for each of the physics, chemistry and technology sessions. I look forward to receiving further information by e-mail. Yes it emphasised that one can practice a kaleidoscope of experiments in a variety of ways while having fun. It made us look at it from the viewpoint of our 'naughty learners' who push the boundaries due to curiosity. Even after having a science club for the past ten years, this has opened by eyes to new presentation techniques. Yes it made me more excited to do more science in class as well as the STEM club. I want to expand our club more and make it more fun. Learners nowadays must learn in a more practical manner given our large class numbers. This workshop just kickstarted that element for me. Organisations that want to contribute and partner in this initiative to empower and capacitate science clubs to build a critical mass of future STEM practitioners in rural schools are encouraged to make contact with the Director of AK NPC, Prof Shaheed Hartley (
The Star
15-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Science week targets rural participation
National Science Week (MSN) is reaching out to students in rural and remote areas through the MSN carnival, Kembara Sains Borneo and Rehlah Sains programmes. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the programme aimed to spark students' interest in science and technology, particularly among those with limited access to these fields. 'Thirty rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak have been selected for this initiative, which is expected to benefit around 30,000 students,' he said after launching National Science Week 2025 in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. In his speech, Chang said MSN, now in its eighth edition, reflected the ministry's commitment to embedding science, technology and innovation into the daily lives of all Malaysians. He added that the initiative would be extended to grassroots communities through the implementation of on-ground programmes throughout Malaysia, as reported by Bernama. Themed 'Democratising Science, Humanising Technology, Mainstreaming Innovation', MSN 2025 emphasises inclusive participation in advancing scientific innovation in step with rapid technological progress, and runs until the end of the year.
Daily Express
09-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Express
Igniting Stem interest crucial for high-tech Malaysia goal: Yusof
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Yusof and some pupils try a virtual reality (VR) device to view the planets. LAHAD DATU: Igniting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) among the younger generation is key to realising Malaysia's goal of becoming a high-tech nation by 2030, said Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal. He said Stem carnivals like the one held in Lahad Datu are vital in nurturing talent by providing informal, interactive and engaging learning experiences for students. The event, organised by SJKC Sin Wah in collaboration with the National Planetarium and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, featured exhibitions, workshops, and hands-on activities such as solar observation and virtual reality. Yusof noted that Mosti continues to push science, technology and innovation (STI) outreach across urban and rural schools nationwide through programmes like National Science Week and the STI 100³ initiative. He added that such efforts support the National STIE Policy 2021–2030 and must be expanded to ensure no student is left behind in the pursuit of scientific excellence. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
NSC's mobile science bus to cover 14 schools across Sarawak
Chang (second right) presents the NSC education kit to a representative of Sarikei District Education Office. — Photo by Jude Toyat KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 6): Fourteen schools across Sarawak will be buzzing with hands-on science activities and interactive exhibits as the National Science Centre's (NSC) mobile science exhibition bus is making its rounds this May 7 to 20. The schools are SMK Wira Penrissen and SK Jalan Muara Tuang in Kota Samarahan; SMK Simunjan No 1 in Simunjan; SMK Serian in Serian; SMK Lubok Antu and SK San Semanju in Lubok Antu; SMK St Augustine and SJK Chung Hua Betong in Betong; SMK Bahasa Malaysia Saratok and SK Abang Abdul Rahman in Saratok; SMK St Anthony and SK Udin in Sarikei; and SMK Julau No 2 and SK Nanga Entabai in Julau. The expedition is part of the Kembara Sains Borneo (KSB) 2025 initiative under the flagship program National Science Week (MSN), organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) specifically for the people of Sarawak and Sabah, in collaboration with the NSC and main sponsor, Yayasan Mr DIY. 'KSB 2025 will kick off in Kota Samarahan, covering 14 selected schools across Sarawak before concluding in Julau. The expedition will then continue to 16 schools in Sabah, beginning in Tawau and ending in Lahad Datu. 'This journey will involve at least 30 selected schools, with an estimated 30,000 participants benefiting from the programme,' said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, in his officiating speech at the launch of the National Science Week 2025 in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus late Sunday. In this regard, Chang said that Mosti was serious in its mission to popularise science among Malaysians. 'Various initiatives to promote science, technology, and innovation (STI) have been launched, including this traveling exhibition in Borneo,' he said. He added that since 2023, the KSB initiative had been bringing STI learning directly to rural and remote areas in Sarawak and Sabah, making science more accessible and enjoyable. Themed 'Sains Itu Menyeronokkan' (Science is Fun), the KSB 2025 expedition will feature NSC's mobile exhibition bus and science activity van, offering engaging experiences to around 30,000 students across the 30 selected schools. 'The Madani Government views STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent development as a serious priority, in line with the nation's goal of producing more local professionals in the field to achieve high-tech nation status by 2030. 'In line with this, Mosti is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, and strategic partners to promote a culture of STI through continuous out-of-classroom programmes targeted especially at children and school students to strengthen the National STEM Agenda,' he said. At the event, Chang also presented the NSC education kits containing interactive STEM activity materials and usage guides for informal learning sessions to eight district Education offices that would be visited by the Kembara Sains Borneo during MSN 2025 in Sarawak. bus education National Science Centre schools science exhibition
