Questacon’s Science Circus has promoted learning with flair in communities around Australia for more than 35 years. Photo: Questacon.
‘Wow factor’ doesn’t begin to describe Science Circus – Questacon’s 18-metre semi-trailer of discovery and wonder – and it’s back on the road this Spring!
Older than the Canberra Questacon building itself, the travelling Science Circus brings interactive STEM sessions and spectacular science shows to regional and remote communities across the country.
The big orange truck brings the opportunity for primary and secondary students, their families and community groups to have fun with science together, learn how to experiment safely at home and discover what a career in STEM could look like.
The best part? It’s all free.
Tour coordinator Leisha Duncan says the circus offers something a little bit different for students, teachers and visitors of all ages.
“Over the last 35 years, we’ve brought shows to more than 3,000,000 people, 500 towns, and 90 remote Indigenous communities.
“We bring everything Questacon has to offer on the road, visiting people who wouldn’t usually have the chance to interact with science the way we do.
“Our 18-metre semi-trailer truck acts as a pop-up science centre. We roll in and take over town halls, school gyms and sports courts – anywhere we can fit, really!”
There are more than 30 hands-on exhibits, including a figure skater simulator, Formula 1-style reflex tester, microscope exploration, DIY experiments (marshmallow cannon anyone?), and spectacular science shows complete with liquid nitrogen and ‘magic’ tricks.
The truck is currently on tour in Victoria and will next touch down in Albury/Wodonga on 14 and 15 September before crossing into NSW to perform at Henty Machinery Field Days from 17 to 19 September. Photo: Questacon.
It’s important work, especially given remote, rural and regional students are more than a year behind in science on average, according to the Department of Education.
“Science and STEM are applicable to all parts of everyday life,” Leisha says.
“Exposing young people to relatable, exciting content builds their interest and helps inspire the next generation of scientists. Whether these kids go on to work in STEM or not, it makes me so happy to see them interacting with our exhibits and having a great time while they learn.”
Feedback suggests the Science Circus really works – 85 per cent of school teachers say their students’ enthusiasm for science increased after a visit from the big orange truck.
“I was fascinated by science and nature growing up and was lucky enough to explore quite a lot of it with my family, but there are kids out there who aren’t so lucky,” Leisha says.
“Having science explained to me in a fun and engaging way was so important on my journey, so seeing the same look of awe when students have that ‘ah-ha’ moment is what really fuels my passion.
“The Science Circus isn’t just about entertaining the individual – it’s about creating a more science-literate society. When kids have a great experience with us, they can pass on what they’ve learned and continue the cycle of discovery!”
The Questacon Science Circus is a proud initiative of Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre and Founding Partner, the Australian National University.
Interested in becoming a part of the Science Circus team? Contact sciencecircus@questacon.edu.au.
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