News Archive

Astronomers take to the road for National Science Week

Throughout National Science Week 2010 , astronomers and science communicators from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) hit the road to help Western Australians find out and 'Tune In' to radio astronomy.

More than 2,000 people took part in ICRAR’s ‘Tuning In’ exhibition around Perth, Joondalup, Geraldton, New Norcia and Badgingarra.

The exhibition featured working radio telescopes alongside optical telescopes designed to give members of the public hands-on experience of astronomy, radio astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array.

"We’ve been working on this interactive display for several months and we were very excited to finally roll it out in time for National Science Week," says ICRAR Outreach Manager, Pete Wheeler. "The display has a unique look and feel which draws passersby in to talk to us."

"We even convinced the ESA’s Deep Space Ground Station in New Norcia to open to the public as we came through, which is very rare for this facility."

'Tuning In' is one aspect of ICRAR’s community outreach efforts. Since it was launched in late 2009, ICRAR has worked with the astronomy and science communication community on a state, national and international level to raise the profile of radio astronomy and the SKA project.


Girls and guys get an insight into science

Hundreds of high school students got a special insight into being a scientist at two events held at Winthrop Hall during National Science Week.

Chief Scientist Professor Lyn Beazley hosted a ‘Science Cafe for Girls’, while acclaimed Arctic explorer Tim Jarvis hosted a separate ‘Guys Talking Science’ session.

In the science café event, nearly 200 Year 9-11 girls enjoyed afternoon tea with female scientists from the State’s universities, CSIRO, Engineers Australia, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth Zoo, WA Museum and Scitech.

The scientists explained to the students what had inspired them to take up science and where their science career has taken them.

Likewise, at the second event, male scientists from the same organisations talked science with some 200 boy students.
According to feedback, the sessions were a hit:

"Thanks for organising such a terrific event – I know the students gained a lot from it as I had a lot of positive comments from them.” Paul Cull, Head of Science, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School.

“A big thank you to you and all those who were involved in running the Science week activities at UWA where our students attended. I have had very positive feedback from our students, staff and parents.”
Gerard Giannasi, Head of Science, Prendiville Catholic College.

The skill of recreating faces from skulls

The Art Gallery of Western Australia and The University of Western Australia hosted workshops for the public on the fascinating art of facial reconstruction.

Facial reconstruction involves recreating the facial appearance of a dead person, working from what we know about how the shapes of the skull relate to muscles, fat and skin. Participants were guided through the main stages undertaken in the process, under the guidance of Dr Susan Hayes from the School of Anatomy and Human Biology.

One group built the muscles up over the replica skull of an individual, while two other groups learned the art of drawing an approximation from photographs. The project culminated in a display of the reconstructions and drawings at the gallery.

Visit the Science for the Community section of our website for more information on science outreach activities for high schools and the general public and to view our Science for the Community calendar.