Blast off with the 2017 Riverina Science Festival

From a pop-up planetarium to some kitchen chemistry, this year’s Riverina Science Festival is set to be the biggest yet.

The festival forms part of National Science Week from 12 to 20 August 2017, with this year’s program featuring activities and events that will engage and inspire the community about science, Indigenous culture and the growing importance of STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Maths).

“Science is everywhere we look, whether it’s in the kitchen or the laboratory,” Riverina Science Hub convenor and Wagga Wagga City Library’s Team Leader Programs, Promotions and Partnerships Christine Bolton said.

“Whether you are a budding scientist or just have a curious mind, this year’s festival has something for all ages and interest, with a special focus on space.

“We’ll be holding a number of Sky Stories events, including some traditional astronomy, Indigenous science and culture, and Starr’s Planetarium.

“The pop-up planetarium uses a 3D immersive projection system to give you a 360-degree interactive experience where you will discover the solar system, planets, lunar cycles and more.”

There will also be a range of other activities throughout the fourth annual festival, such as Kitchen Science Storytime and the microscopic fun of Closer, both held at the library.

Other events include a fermentation workshop at the Museum of the Riverina, a Nerd Nite at the Union Hotel and a bus trip to the Temora Aviation Museum.

The festival kicks off on Monday 14 August at the Tolland Community Centre with a National Indigenous Science Experience Program (NISEP) Community Science Day. Year 9 Indigenous students from Mount Austin High School and Kooringal High School will share practical science activities with primary school students and the community.

The Riverina Science Hub and festival are coordinated by Wagga Wagga City Library, which was given a boost this year through an almost $20,000 Inspiring Australia Federal Government Grant. Places are limited for some events.

For more information and bookings, just Google “Library Riverina Science Hub”.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

More information on the below events and other events on as part of the Riverina Science Festival can be found on the library’s website.

Monday, 14 August

When: From 10am

Where: Tolland Community Centre

What: National Indigenous Science Experience Program (NISEP) Community Science Day

Wednesday, 16 August

When: 10.30am

Where: Wagga Wagga City Library (downstairs)

What: Kitchen Science Storytime

Thursday, 17 August

When: 9.30am

Where: Council Meeting Room, Civic Centre

What: Sneak-peek at Starr’s Planetarium followed by a schools session

Friday, 18 August

When: 10.30am

Where: Wagga Wagga City Library (downstairs)

What: Kitchen Science Storytime

Saturday, 19 August

When: 10.30am to 12.30pm

Where: Wagga Wagga City Library

What: Closer (microscope activity)

Sunday, 20 August

When: 1pm to 2.30pm

Where: Museum of the Riverina (Botanic Gardens site)

What: Fermentation workshop