Questacon: Difference between revisions
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The circus is a partnership between Questacon, the [[Shell Oil Company]] Australia and the [[Australian National University]]. It was recently awarded the [[Australian Financial Review]] Magazine Corporate Partnership Award. |
The circus is a partnership between Questacon, the [[Shell Oil Company]] Australia and the [[Australian National University]]. It was recently awarded the [[Australian Financial Review]] Magazine Corporate Partnership Award. |
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[[Image:sqsc_osborne1_93.jpg|thumb|200px|right|A graduate demonstrates an exhibit to a visitor.]] |
[[Image:sqsc_osborne1_93.jpg|thumb|200px|right|A graduate demonstrates an exhibit to a visitor.]] |
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The Circus tours around regional Australia for 18-20 weeks each year. Sixteen science graduates staff the Circus as it travels, bringing lively presentations of science to towns and schools. The Science Circus also supports the teaching of science and technology by running practical and fun professional development workshops for teachers. Each graduate completes a [[Graduate Diploma]] of Science Communication through the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the [[Australian National University]] during the year. Coursework includes studies in print and the electronic media, science and society and an applied project. Students also participate in industry work placements through the year. The first group of ten graduates were accepted in 1988. In 1993, the number was increased to 12. There are currently over 200 Science Circus graduates. |
The Circus tours around regional Australia for 18-20 weeks each year. Sixteen science graduates staff the Circus as it travels, bringing lively presentations of science to towns and schools. The Science Circus also supports the teaching of science and technology by running practical and fun professional development workshops for teachers. Each graduate completes a [[Graduate Diploma]] of Science Communication through the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the [[Australian National University]] during the year. Coursework includes studies in print and the electronic media, science and society and an applied project. Students also participate in industry work placements through the year. |
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The first group of ten graduates were accepted in 1988. In 1993, the number was increased to 12. There are currently over 200 Science Circus graduates. Graduates have contributed to the [[Diffusion Science Radio Show]], as well as running the [[Science Talk Australia]] and [[Mr Science Show]] radio and podcast productions. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 05:33, 7 March 2007
Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre, is located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australia. It is a large centre with more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology. Questacon's building was Japan's gift to Australia for the 1988 Bicentenary and it was opened on the 23rd of November, 1988. Questacon is a part of the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). The director is Professor Graham Durant.
The centre is split up into seven galleries on different floors, accessed by a spiral ramp around the 'drum'. As of May 2006, the seven galleries are:
- Sports Quest, with some intriguing physical challenges.
- Sideshow, perhaps the most popular exhibition, looking at the science of the circus. Several popular exhibits include Free Fall, a giant slide with a six metre drop, and Track Attack, a simulated roller-coaster.
- MiniQ, an exhibition designed for children between the ages of 0 and 6. Exhibits include a water play area, a sensory space, and a quiet area.
- Wavelength, looking at light and sound. The exhibitions features displays on Polarised light, Fresnel lenses, and holograms.
- Awesome Earth, looking at natural disasters and geology. Features a Tesla coil and an earthquake simulator.
- Toys, looking at the history of toys, and the science behind them.
- Strike a Chord, looking at the science of music, including a light harp and an 'air guitar' (A broom with sensors).
The galleries are staffed by paid staff, as well as a team of about 60 volunteers. The volunteers occasionally will make use of Discovery Trolleys, featuring smaller, hands-on exhibits related to the gallery.
The centre also features three theatres, used for performances by Questacon's theatre troupe, The Excited Particles normally targeted at families. The troupe also does more serious talks on general areas of science and current events.
In addition to the exhibitions in Canberra, Questacon also run a large number of outreach programs all over Australia, including the Shell Questacon Science Circus, Tenix Questacon Maths Squad, Smart Moves and range of activities in remote indigenous communities.
Each year over 300 000 people visit the centre in Canberra, and another 300 000 participate in Outreach Programs.
Their slogan often used in advertising is "We always make science fun." You can watch Questacon's TV ads online.
Shell Questacon Science Circus
The Shell Questacon Science Circus is an outreach program of Questacon and is the most extensive science outreach program of its kind in the world. Each year, the circus sees over 100 000 people, travels 25 000 kilometers, runs professional development courses for 600 teachers and visits about 30 remote aboriginal communities as well as hospitals, nursing homes and special schools.
The circus is a partnership between Questacon, the Shell Oil Company Australia and the Australian National University. It was recently awarded the Australian Financial Review Magazine Corporate Partnership Award.
The Circus tours around regional Australia for 18-20 weeks each year. Sixteen science graduates staff the Circus as it travels, bringing lively presentations of science to towns and schools. The Science Circus also supports the teaching of science and technology by running practical and fun professional development workshops for teachers. Each graduate completes a Graduate Diploma of Science Communication through the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University during the year. Coursework includes studies in print and the electronic media, science and society and an applied project. Students also participate in industry work placements through the year.
The first group of ten graduates were accepted in 1988. In 1993, the number was increased to 12. There are currently over 200 Science Circus graduates. Graduates have contributed to the Diffusion Science Radio Show, as well as running the Science Talk Australia and Mr Science Show radio and podcast productions.
External links
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