National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. This year, there are lots of local events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter for your family to enjoy National Science Week. It runs from 12 – 20 August 2023 and includes lots of events and activities for kids and teens.
How Plants Work
How Plants Work is an interactive exhibition at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. All life on earth depends on plants. Using simple observations and experiments, visitors can gain fascinating insights into how it all happens. Explainers are on hand to encourage visitors to explore the expedition and assist with experiments.
Date: Monday 14 August to Sunday 27 August 2023
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae
Age Group: Suitable for all ages from primary school upwards
Cost: Free after $5 park entry
Website
STEAM Week Storytime & Craft
Celebrate Science week with Lake Mac Libraries. Join the fun as you enjoy stories, songs and simple science activities for pre-schoolers as part of STEAM Week (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Date: Monday 14 August 2023
Time: 11am – 11:45am
Location: Toronto Library
Age Group: Suitable for 3 – 6 years
Cost: Free but booking required
Website
Innovate and Create Book Week Costume
Innovate and create using recycled materials to create a costume for Book Week. Choose a book from our selection, and then using your mystery bag of resources, upcycle your materials into Book Week costume that relates to the book.
Date: Monday 14 August 2023
Time: 3:30pm – 5pm
Location: Charlestown Library
Age Group: Suitable for 6 years plus.
Cost: Free
Website
Our Future and the Earth’s Past – Learning from the Bottom of the Ocean
How does Earth’s climate system work? How were the continents made? What causes volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis? The answers are all to be found at the bottom of the ocean. Join Geoscientist Bob Musgrave on a two-month adventure on a scientific drilling ship – but from the comfort of the Newcastle Museum McIntyre Lecture Theatre
Date: Wednesday 16 August 2023
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Location: McIntyre Theatre, Newcastle Museum
Age Group: Suitable for upper primary & secondary students
Cost: Free
Website
The Answer is Blowing in the Wind
Join the Phelan boys for a discussion about life journeys, renewable energy, finance & complexity, activism, ecological justice and guitars. How did Engineering student Ollie arrive at his final year research project on offshore wind energy? How did Dr Liam, the senior Phelan, arrive at Senior Lecturer in Multidisciplinary Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle?
Date: Thursday 17 August 2023
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Location: McIntyre Theatre, Newcastle Museum
Age Group: Suitable for upper primary & secondary students
Cost: Free
Website
Full STEAM – Science Week Fun
Celebrate STEAM week with hands-on science workshops and activities, and discover what you can make and do in the Fab Lab. Drop into the Swansea Centre for hands-on activities and discover the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. A perfect family day out there is something for everyone! Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: Saturday 19 August 2023
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: The Swansea Centre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free for Fab Lab Drop-In. $12 for Carbon Dioxide Fun and Hands-on Science Workshops
Website
Hunter Science Festival
Learn about science at the 2023 Hunter Science Festival. It’s a fun free event for everyone from young children to adults. This year’s Festival theme of Innovation – Powering Future Industries will include hands-on interactive learning experiences, showcasing local technology and scientific research happening across the Hunter. Join them for hands-on interactive learning including building and racing a solar car with Hunter Valley Electric Vehicles, getting hands-on with the Aldrin Moon to Mars Experience, climbing into a Council garbage truck and talking to the driver, and exploring interactive science tables from all the Hunter Science Hub members!
Date: Sunday 20 August 2023
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
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Learn About Science at the Hunter Science Festival at Newcastle Museum
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Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.