Scienceworks announces supercharged festival packed with affordable family fun
Science is a Superpower Festival included with museum entry on 14 and 15 September – under 16s enter free.
Scienceworks is throwing open its doors for the inaugural Science is a Superpower Festival, a two-day showcase of jaw-dropping live science experiments, expert Q&As with Victorian STEM superstars and play-based learning experiences – including real Martian rovers, LEGO® feats of engineering, and special interactives, workshops and activities galore.
Designed for primary and early high school students with a focus on girls and non-binary tweens aged 10–12, Science is a Superpower Festival is the latest in Museums Victoria’s ongoing mission to break down barriers to participation in STEM learning programs, tackle low enrolments in STEM tertiary subjects and address the fact that only 15% of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women.
On 14 and 15 September 2024, every corner of Scienceworks will be activated with programs matching one of five superpower themes – Calmness, Curiosity, Strength, Energy and Kindness. All Science is a Superpower programs are included with entry at no extra cost, supplemented by family-favourite Planetarium and Lightning Theatre shows.
Master the art of calmness with mini meditations in the Melbourne Planetarium, in partnership with Headspace and Wild Dwellers. Kick back, unplug your brain and let the 360-degree fulldome forest showcase transport you to a world of soothing birdsong and contemplative bliss. Then, swing by the hypnotic mechanical Harmonograph and use the power of physics to create mesmerising geometric patterns – and even take your artful souvenir home with you.
Unleash your curiosity in the future-focused but timeless gallery Think Ahead. Meet fun and fascinating experts – all leading women in STEM – on everything from Mars-roving robots, mind-bending astronomy, cutting-edge medicine and more in special Ask an Expert sessions. Have you ever wondered how people can live on the Moon? What will we eat? How do you scratch your nose inside a spacesuit? Now is your chance to find out.
Then, pile into the Amphitheatre for the Spot Talks – short, sweet and sensational interactive interviews with even more experts, hosted by comedians and science communicators (including Alanta Colley) – before settling into a dazzling live science show filled with hair-raising experiments and explosive laughter.
Harness your inner strength in the carnival chaos of Sportsworks and put your strength to the test – physical and mental. Grab your Strength Logbook and throw yourself into a series of challenges curated for the strong of heart and mind, and learn all about the Mohs Hardness Scale the way it was almost certainly intended. (Comparing the various strengths of lollies. You know, for science.)
Supercharge with energy in the blustery bonanza Air Playground, with pop-up challenge stations and a new and reinvigorated bouncy castle.
Experience the importance of kindness in a collaborative, artistic affirmation of self-love. Get creative and contribute to the interconnected forest artwork.
Science is a Superpower Festival is complemented by additional Scienceworks programs, including the Science is a Superpower educational web series. Originally launched in 2023 and hosted by international science communication powerhouse Holly Ransom, Science is a Superpower has been fervently watched by over 1.8 million viewers. Scienceworks also hosts monthly Weekend Workshops, inviting curious tweens to explore robots, coding and other STEM concepts in a safe, curated space as part of Scienceworks’ commitment to uplifting tomorrow’s leading women in STEM.
Lynley Crosswell, Museums Victoria CEO, said: ‘Research shows the 10–12 age bracket is the critical make-or-break point when many young students, especially girls, disengage from STEM subjects and potential career pathways. Our exhibitions and programs are designed to foster an interest and confidence around STEM and programs like the Science is a Superpower Festival make science intuitive, unintimidating and most importantly fun, which is invaluable in setting the course for Victoria’s STEM future.’
View the Science is a Superpower web series on YouTube here. For further information visit the Scienceworks website here.
Science is a Superpower Festival
Open: 14 and 15 September 2024
Location: Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood
Tickets: on sale at Scienceworks and online here.
All Science is a Superpower programs included with Scienceworks entry.
Adults $15, Seniors $10. Children (up to 16 years), Concession and Museum Members enter free.
Surcharged Planetarium and Lightning Theatre shows include entry.
Adults $25, Seniors $20. Children/Concession $10 and Museum Members $8.
