2016 National Science Week

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 1000 science events across the nation.

    GUINNESS WORLD RECORD attempt

    On Friday 12 August 2016 we organised a Guinness World Records attempt for the largest practical science lesson… and we did it!

    Held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre 2900 students and teachers converged to break the Guinness World Records title for the largest practical science lesson.

    During the 30-minute lesson students learnt about magnetism, while smashing the previous record of 2102 students set earlier this year in South Africa.

    Thanks to our official partners who helped make this event possible.

    Read Minister Enoch’s media statement, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS achievement for largest practical science lesson.

    Also featured on the ABC's Behind the News.

    *Update 14 December 2019 – our record attempt has been surpassed by a new record holder – see the official records information.

    Queen Street Mall Fitness Challenge

    Who is the fittest according to sports science?

    We organised a fitness challenge in the Queen Street Mall (stage) between a range of athletes from the Brisbane Heat, Brisbane Roar, Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Ballet.

    Local school students created challenges for the athletes to test their fitness and determine ‘who was the fitted according to science’. Two sports scientists monitored fitness levels to determined two overall winners.

    Approximately 120 students from 5 schools attended the event which attracted a crowd of lunch-time shoppers.

    Congratulations to Vito Bernasconi, Queensland Ballet and Jemma Barsby, Brisbane Heat for taking out the challenge.

    Young Tall Poppy Science Celebration

    On Wednesday 17 August, we celebrated science and the outstanding achievements of 12 young Queensland scientists, researchers and innovators.

    In collaboration with the Australian Institute of Policy and Science we hosted an evening to recognise the Young Tall Poppies Science Award winners.

    #ThisisScience Instagram competition

    To celebrate National Science Week we asked you to share photos about 'what science means to you'.

    Congratulations to our winners. Take a look at their great photos.

    Scientists visit schools

    The Queensland Chief Scientist and a group of Advance Queensland Research Fellows visited schools during National Science Week to discuss science careers, the impact of science, benefits of studying science and everything from beer to biofuels, crocodiles, mangroves, energy, women in science, Star Trek, Great Barrier Reef to F1 racing.

    The Queensland Chief Scientist visited 4 schools during National Science Week in the Ipswich and Brisbane areas, while the Advance Queensland Fellows visited schools across the state, including Brisbane, Toowoomba, Stradbroke Island, Yeppoon and Bundaberg.

    Activity sheet

    Download your copy of our National Science Week activity sheet (PDF, 1,005.5KB) here (noting the #ThisisScience competition has now closed). The sheet includes word puzzles, colouring-in, a science experiment and jokes and more.

    More information