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Shell Questacon Science Circus

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Westius (talk | contribs) at 05:23, 7 March 2007 (Updated 2007 Tour info, as well as graduate stuff). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The Shell Questacon Science Circus is an outreach program of Questacon — the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, Australia 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.

2007 Tours

In 2007, the circus will make the following tours:

NSW Riverina: February - March

  • Young Tues 27 February
  • West Wyalong Wed 28 February
  • Cowra Fri 2 March
  • Narrandera Mon 5 March
  • Griffith Wed 7 March
  • Wagga Wagga Fri 9 & Sat 10 March
  • Albury Sat 17 & Sun 18 March

Central Queensland: May

  • Ayr Tues 1 May
  • Bowen Fri 4 May
  • Airlie Beach Sun 6 May
  • Moranbah Tues 8 May
  • Emerald Fri 11 May
  • Yeppoon Tues 15 May
  • Rockhampton Fri 18 & Sat 9 May
  • Mackay Sat 26 May

East Kimberley and the Top End: August - September

  • Wyndham Mon 27 August
  • Kununurra Tues 28 August
  • Timber Creek Thurs 30 August
  • Katherine Wed 5 or Thurs 6 September
  • Palmerston Thurs 13 September
  • Darwin Fri 21 & Sat 22 September

Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas and Central South Australia: October - November

  • Port Pirie Tues 16 October
  • Port Augusta Sat 20 October
  • Coober Pedy Tues 23 October
  • Roxby Downs Thurs 25 October
  • Ceduna Mon 5 November
  • Whyalla Tues 6 or Wed 7 November
  • Port Lincoln Sat 3 November (TBC)
  • Kadina Sat 10 November

Study

A graduate demonstrates an exhibit to a visitor.

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.


Graduates

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.

A number of graduates contribute to the Diffusion Science Radio Show, as well as running the Science Talk Australia and Mr Science Show radio and podcast productions.