Understanding Children
National Science Week kicks off with lots of opportunities for ECEC
Freya Lucas
Jul 10, 2019
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National Science Week arrives next month, with events, challenges, information sessions, panel discussions and much more to be held around the country from 10 to 18 August - are you ready to join in?
First held in 1997, National Science Week has fast become one of Australia’s largest festivals. In 2018, 1.2 million people participated in over 2100 events and activities throughout the week.2019 is set to be even bigger, with events to be held right throughout Australia — from the world’s first global Indigenous hackathon ‘INDIGI HACK’ to ‘Dr Dolphin’ and his bottlenose friends in Adelaide to marking the Moon landing in Sydney, and to the science queens of Kings Park in Perth—with everything including science festivals, music and comedy shows, expert panel discussions, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities.
Sponsored by the Australian Government; partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC; and, media sponsors including Cosmos and Science Illustrated, there are many opportunities for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to become involved.
A 12-page booklet Inspiring ideas for National Science Week has been produced with the support of Early Childhood Australia, and aims to support formal and informal early childhood centres and groups that haven’t participated in National Science Week before, and to inspire those who have, offering new ideas and perspectives.
Included in the booklet is a list of event and activity ideas, stories of successful events run previously, step-by-step science activities that are easy to do with an early childhood age group, helpful tips, and suggestions on where to find inspiration and ideas.
Events can be run during National Science Week, or any time of the year, with National Science Week organisers saying “it doesn’t matter if you’re running a public event or a closed private activity, please show how you’re part of the bigger picture by registering your endeavour on the National Science Week website. This will give a snapshot of how early childhood centres and groups are participating each year, and how National Science Week can provide support.”
National Science Week 2019 will run from 10-18 August. Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.
To access the booklet of ideas, tailored for ECEC, please see here. Events already happening in your local area may be accessed here.
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