Science EXPOsed 2005

EXPOSING THE FUN OF SCIENCE

Solving a virtual crime using forensic science; being the first Australians to see a 3.5 billion year old stromatolite just returned from a flight on the NASA space shuttle Discovery; making DNA keyrings; and access to the Sydney Observatory Telescope were just some of the activities on offer at Science EXPOsed 2005.

The second annual Science EXPOsed was held on 20 and 21 October at Parliament House and launched by Minister for Science and Medical Research Frank Sartor.

“Science is the basis for almost every new discovery and advancement in our every day lives”, Mr Sartor said.

“Science and scientists however, are still plagued by an image of stodgy slightly eccentric old men in white coats beavering away by themselves in a laboratory.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. Science is discovery and is only limited by our imaginations.

“I would encourage all young people to think about incorporating science within their studies and see this as a valuable way to make an important contribution to our society”, Mr Sartor said.

Science EXPOsed is a free two day event organised by the NSW Government to showcase the latest in science and technology and the range of careers available to young people who study science.

The event featured:

  • A display of the 3.5 billion year old Australian stromatolite that was taken by Astronaut Andy Thomas on the recent NASA Space Shuttle Discovery flight
  • A virtual crime scene where students could try to solve a murder using forensic science using LiveScan technology to scan fingerprints, animation and photogrammetry to recreate and navigate the scene. DNA specialists were on hand to help compare and match DNA strands to help solve the crime
  • Demonstrations of the way nanotechnologists can change the way familiar objects behave like stain-proof clothes or self-cleaning windows
  • A debate on nanotechnology hosted by James O’Loghlin
  • Speakers panels hosted by Adam Spencer and Jonica Newby where forensic scientists, marine biologists, teachers, journalists and lawyers talked about why they chose to study science
  • A Science and Engineering Challenge involving 15 teams of NSW MPs and high school students, who had less than 90 minutes to simulate an electricity distribution grid, construct the fastest rubber band racing car, a flying machine, and a straw and paper air canon.

Science EXPOsed also incorporated the 2005 Young Scientist Awards and the 2005 NSW Young Tall Poppies Awards.

Science EXPOsed is an initiative of the NSW Ministry for Science and Medical Research, in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and Training, NSW Premier’s Department, the Cabinet Office, NSW Ministry for the Arts, NSW Department of State and Regional Development, Powerhouse Museum, Science Teacher’s Association of NSW, the Australian Museum, NSW Parliament House and the NSW Young Tall Poppy program.