Jam packed program to showcase all things science

National Science Week will be showcased at the Mount Gambier Library, with a program of events from August 10 to 18, promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), with support from Inspiring Australia.

Mount Gambier Library will host a ‘STEAM Futures Forum’ on Friday, August 16, at 10am, featuring a variety of careers in science from locals and others around the world.

University of Texas Research Scientist at Austin’s High-Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography Facility Dr Jaimi Gray will headline a panel that includes Sustainable Primary Production at Landscape SA Dr Ehsan Sayad, Stem Cell Biologist at ATMP Sweden Dr Heather Main, City of Mount Gambier Design Engineer Andrew Thompson, and Bachelor of Archaeology student at Flinders University Chloe Rattray.

“I am excited to be a part of an amazing panel of speakers, and I hope to inspire young people to take a career path in STEAM,” Chloe said.

The STEAM Futures Forum promotes careers in science with 20-minute power talks that are ideal if you are exploring career options, or are interested in a serve of science in action.

Pop-up displays from TAFE SA, UniSA, and OneFortyOne will also showcase study and career pathway options.

City of Mount Gambier Manager Library and Community Development Georgina Davison said the STEAM Futures Forum is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and explore the exciting possibilities that STEAM education and careers offer.

“We hope to inspire lifelong learning and innovation,” she said.

Super Science Saturday will kick off at the Library and Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre on Saturday, August 17, where the community is encouraged to explore the wonders of modern technology and engage in hands-on STEAM-based activities designed to ignite a passion for science.

“You can take part in a range of STEAM-based activities, including Slime Lab, Intro to Robotics, 3D Printing, VR, and much more,” Ms Davison said.

A new ‘Library of Things’ STEAM collection will also launch on Super Science Saturday. This collection allows items to be borrowed from the library including Sphero Indi, Code Master, Brain Box and more.

The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is offering an immersive experience to unleash your creativity through Virtual Reality Tiltbrush, using a variety of brush styles and palettes to paint within a landscape that engulfs participants on all sides.

A Special Science Storytime will then take place on Tuesday, August13, at 10.30am where ‘Ouch! Tales of Gravity’ by Kate Simpson and Andy Hardiman will be read, followed by a hands-on activity exploring gravity.

“City of Mount Gambier is thrilled to support National Science Week, offering a wide range of engaging activities that people of all ages can enjoy,” Ms Davison said.

All Science Week events are free with bookings required for the STEAM Futures Forum. Contact Mount Gambier Library on 8721 2540 or book online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.