2017 National Science Week

This year we took to the skies to get Queenslanders involved in science.

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology where thousands of individuals—from students to scientists to chefs and musicians—take part in more than 2000 science events across the nation.

Officially taking place from 12–20 August, this year’s school theme was Future Earth.

    The Drone Experience

    The Drone Experience was an educational and fun one-hour activity, held each weekday during National Science Week to give students a hands-on introduction to drone technology.

    Nineteen sessions were delivered over 5 days with 360 year 5 and 6 students from 33 Queensland schools involved in:

    • drone flying training
    • learning about safety procedures
    • a presentation on real world applications
    • a hands-on flying challenge.

    During the week, there was also a professional development session for teachers to introduce them to drone technology and its potential to transform the way we live.

    Read the Minister’s media release, Drone flying lessons for students during National Science Week and listen to Mathilde Dresselle’s interview for ABC Radio Brisbane with students and teachers from Nashville State School and Kenmore State School.

      Young Tall Poppy Science Celebration

      On Friday 11 August in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS), we hosted a celebration evening to recognise and announce the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Award winners.

      Twelve young rising stars who are leading cutting-edge research were acknowledged for their research and excellence in science communication. Dr Lee Hickey from The University of Queensland was awarded the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year.

      Read more about the Young Tall Poppy Science Award winners.

        Awesome activities for kids

        We collated an activity book (PDF, 19.3MB) designed by Queenslanders using science, technology, engineering and mathematics in their jobs. It’s got colouring in, word puzzles, experiments and lots of other fun activities.

        It was distributed at this year’s Ekka, the launch of National Science Week at Garden City Westfield shopping centre, at the Ipswich Hospital and the World of Drones Congress. A number of schools throughout Queensland received the book from visiting scientists as far away as Weipa and Trinity Beach. The Queensland Museum also used the activity book in various events during the week.

        Do you work in STEM?

        Register your interest if you would you like the chance to be featured in future editions of our activity book.

        Scientists visit schools

        The Queensland Chief Scientist encouraged Advance Queensland Research Fellows to visit a school during National Science Week to discuss science careers, the impact of science, benefits of studying science and everything from cell biology to slime and crop water use.

        The Advance Queensland Fellows visited schools across the state, including Mackay, Brisbane, Ipswich and Cleveland areas.

        More information