The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has announced its contribution to National Science Week 2020, which is to run from 15 to 23 August this year.
Always keenly anticipated, ANSTO’s plan for this year is a series of engaging online activities, including Australia’s first environment-themed hackathon for school students.
Coordinator of NSW activities for ANSTO, Rod Dowler said that while students might not be visiting ANSTO during National Science Week “we are coming to you”.
“The restricted environment we find ourselves in has challenged us to think creatively and find new ways to engage students to explore science and encourage the general public to get involved virtually,” Mr Dowler said.
“This year National Science Week has a deep blue theme which focuses on protecting the future of our oceans and its inhabitants.”
He said the hackathon encouraged school students to problem-solve and come up with new, exciting and practical ways to use oceans to innovate for a changing climate.
He said students in Years 7-to-11 will have one-on-one access via Zoom to ANSTO scientists, industry experts from the Nandin innovation hub and entrepreneurs as mentors with whom they can to discuss their ideas.
The hackathon is consistent with the science syllabus and promotes core subjects in science, technology, engineering and maths.
A number of ANSTO scientists will also be involved in live panel events.
For students in Years 5 and 6, ANSTO has produced a fun video that explores the world of the atom, one of the fundamental concepts behind the Periodic Table.
All three events are features of the Australian Museum’s Sydney Science Trail.
