With school excursions on hold due to coronavirus restrictions, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has embraced new ways to connect with young minds during National Science Week (August 15-23).
ANSTO has planned a series of engaging online activities, including Australia's first environment-themed 'hackathon' for school students.
ANSTO's Discovery Centre leader Rod Dowler said COVID-19 had not stopped ANSTO from continuing its education program but "challenged us to think creatively and find new ways to engage students to explore science".
"You might not be visiting ANSTO during National Science Week, but we are coming to you," he said.
The theme of this year's National Science Week is 'deep blue' and focuses on protecting the future of our oceans and its inhabitants.
In the lead-up to the week, ANSTO hosted an 'ocean blue' themed incursion to Taren Point Public School to teach students about the future of the ocean. The incursion explored ocean life, organism adaptations and human threats to encourage creative and critical thinking.
Activities included a presentation on oceans and ANSTO research, followed by hands-on activities such as a whale migration game and experiments with water.
ANSTO is also holding its first ever National Science Week Hackathon (August 14-18) to encourage students to solve problems and come up with new ways to use oceans to innovate for a changing climate.
Students in years 7 to 11 can discuss their ideas one-on-one via Zoom with ANSTO scientists, industry experts from nandin and entrepreneurs.
ANSTO mentors will help students test their assumptions and lead them to innovative solutions to problems - just like scientists do every day.
The hackathon is designed to promote core STEM subjects.
"The idea is to get kids interested in what a career in science can offer - and have fun doing it," Mr Dowler said.
"Through ANSTO's National Science Week hackathon students will access some of the best STEM minds in the country, many of whom themselves are looking for solutions to some of the biggest issues facing our planet and ocean.
"Participants will be challenged on their ideas and will actively work with their mentors to find viable solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the world's oceans. The students gain creative confidence and valuable team-working skills with plenty of online tools to help them collaborate with scientists, professionals, and entrepreneurs."
Students in years 5 and 6 have not been forgotten; they can watch a video that explores the world of the atom.
