8 ways to celebrate National Science Week

When we take part in science, a world of opportunity opens up. You can experience the benefits of science, including the pleasure of being creative, expanding your ability to think critically, seeing different job opportunities for your own future, and becoming more aware of other cultures.

National Science Week, held between 13 – 21 August 2022, is the perfect opportunity to expand your scientific knowledge and discover (or rediscover) the joys of science and technology.

This celebration of science and technology is for everyone, of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. With more than 1,000 events held around Australia, there’s sure to be something that ignites your curiosity.

Here are eight ways to get involved:

1. Launch a rocket alongside thousands of others

National Science Week kicks off with a bang: the Street Science Rocket Launch.

By ordering a rocket kit through the National Science Week website, kids are given all the materials they need to have a blast. They can make a rocket and launch it multiple times—and the best bit? Thousands of other kids will be doing the same on opening night, creating a national simultaneous rocket launch.

2. Shout the kids in your life a DeadlyScience book

DeadlyScience is a charity that empowers Indigenous students to discover science, technology, engineering and maths pathways.

To date, DeadlyScience has provided more than 25,000 books, 700 telescopes, 10,000 Lego kits and other STEM resources to over 180 communities. In fact, ‘The First Scientists’ by Corey Tutt OAM of DeadlyScience won book of the year for younger children at the 2022 Australian Book Industry Awards.

Australia Post is proud to partner with DeadlyScience to deliver even more science books and equipment to First Nations schools and communities across Australia. This is part of our commitment to literacy and education.

To celebrate National Science Week, treat the kids in your life with a DeadlyScience book to help them learn about different aspects of Australian science through a First Nations lens.

3. Experience the fun of a science centre

One of the most exciting things about science is that it ranges across a number of topics—so there’s something to interest everyone.

What’s even better is, there’s a way to get hands-on with whatever type of science gets your heart pumping! Whether you’re into dinosaurs, plants, stars, caves or adrenalin-rushing experiences, National Science Week is the perfect excuse to indulge your curiosity.

4. Learn how crocodile eggs are harvested

Ever wondered how to harvest a crocodile egg? You’ll find this online event fascinating.

Learn from local Northern Territory Rangers as they harvest these giant reptiles’ eggs and talk about the importance of gathering and monitoring their data.

5. Try a science project at home

Of course, you can get involved with science at any time you like. During National Science Week (and beyond), get into some fun science experiments at home. This could include making maths-themed food, doing some chemistry using everyday kitchen items, investigating weather science and more.

6. Find out about your school’s science activities

Many schools, universities and libraries celebrate National Science Week with activities relating to the current theme.

This year’s schools’ theme is ‘Glass: more than meets the eye’. Schools can incorporate activities, demonstrations, Indigenous and historical perspectives around glass and related materials. In fact, we've developed a Teacher's Guide for Foundation to Year Six students in collaboration with DeadlyScience.

Have a chat to your school or local library about the fun activities they have planned.

7. Turn STEM into STEAM

When you take STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and add art, you get STEAM. You also see magic happen.

If you, or a child in your life, love a bit of art and also want to delve into National Science Week, consider taking part in an art competition.

Get some beautiful patterns happening and submit your artwork.

8. Learn more about First Nations science

Learning about science isn’t just for school students. There’s plenty for adults to get curious about, too, and your new discoveries might inspire you to investigate further or start conversations with others.

A fascinating learning could be First Nations science. After all, science has always been, and continues to be, a part of everyday life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Start here, with the free online publication, Celebrating the First Science of this Land