Get hands on with marvellous machines

TAKE a closer look at how modern mechanisms work at the Discovery Science and Technology’s Centre April school holidays program.

Running alongside the popular Da Vinci exhibition, the program is designed for children to learn about systems such as levers, wheels and pulleys while taking a closer look at the prototypes to many machines.

Discovery manager Alissa Van Soest said there will also be a special planetarium show.

“This school holiday’s we’re learning about mechanical marvels in space, so things like satellites and probes, and we’re also having science shows pretty much every single day,” she said.

“People can come along and see some explosions and some mechanical marvels in action, and some special kids will get to get up and help out with those experiments live on stage.”

Partnering with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, Discovery is also running special free workshops for grade 3 to 6 students to build their own automaton.

Discovery will also have an activation in Rosalind Park over the Bendigo Easter Fair.

Ms Van Soest said the Da Vinci exhibition has been a hit and has inspired a brand-new audience at the centre.

“Zero to 12-year olds are our usual audience, but we’ve seen a lot more in the 50 and above category coming in who have never even noticed the Discovery Centre is here,” she said.

“It’s amazing seeing them playing, it’s something I think a lot of people lose when you’re an adult.”

For more information on the Da Vinci exhibition and the Mechanical Marvels school holiday program head to discovery.asn.au.