NSW Nationals: MidCoast Locals encouraged to take part in National Science Week

In recent years, more than one million Australians have participated in National Science Week activities. This year, Federal Nationals Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie, is encouraging locals to participate in the many activities at our local schools, universities, youth groups, local community groups and professional institutions and associations.

Earlier this year, the former Federal Coalition Government announced funding for several projects supporting activities across the region as part of National Science Week including the Inspiring the MidCoast with eDNA Science and The Mobile Poo Palace – An inside look at the digestive system.

Inspiring the MidCoast with eDNA Science – Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services

What and who is lurking in the waters of the Manning River? Community DNA detectives will help scientists find DNA fragments in water samples to help detect fish, crayfish, eels, riverine frogs, rakali, platypus and the threatened Manning River turtle.

Expert university researchers will demonstrate the techniques of eDNA metabarcoding and involve community members in sampling waterways to survey their wildlife. The project will conclude with an interactive webinar and Q&A, where the participants will discuss the results of their surveys with university researchers and environmental practitioners, gaining a hands-on understanding of the natural environment.

The Mobile Poo Palace – An inside look at the digestive system – Hunter Medical Research Institute

Follow the food and take a tour of the digestive system in the oversized, inflatable Mobile Poo Palace. Interactive food experiments will inspire and engage students as they learn about digestion, gut health, medical research, the human body, and water treatment.

Touring schools, farmer’s markets and community centres in the Hunter region, this portable giant installation is a series of rooms and tunnels that mimic the journey food takes along the digestive tract, with hands-on experiments and educational experiences along the way.

Dr Gillespie said National Science Week is a great way to encourage interest and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“One of the key objectives of the week is to provide an opportunity to recognise the wonderful work of our scientists and hopefully inspire our next generation of big-thinkers in a fund and creative environment,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Science plays a huge part in our daily life, even if we don’t always realise. The more we invest in science, the more we can improve our lives through innovation. Whether it’s in medicine and how we treat and cure people – in manufacturing, and how we produce and make things – in our environment, and how we improve water quality – or in energy and how we can develop cheaper, reliable and cleaner power.”

“The great events and activities in National Science Week are not only fun and interactive, but they can show us just how much we use science in our everyday life.

“This year, there are a huge range of events and there’s something for everyone, whether that’s learning about the science of bush tucker, quantum physics, robotics or even how our bodies work.

The 2022 school theme for National Science Week is ‘Glass: More than meets the eye’ and is based on the UN International Year Of Glass.

National Science Week 2022 will run from 13 to 21 August. Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au