The Mount Gambier Library will participate in National Science Week from August 10-18 August 2024 providing a program of events to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), with support from Inspiring Australia.
The library will host a “STEAM Futures Forum” on August 16 at 10am where those taking part can hear about a variety of careers in science from locals and others around the world.
The event will feature University of Texas Research Scientist at Austin’s High-Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography Facility Dr Jaimi Gray, Sustainable Primary Production at Landscape SA Dr Ehsan Sayad, Stem Cell Biologist at ATMP Sweden Dr Heather Main, City of Mount Gambier Design Engineer Andrew Thompson, and Bachelor of Archaeology student at Flinders University Chloe Rattray.
“I am excited to be a part of an amazing panel of speakers, and I hope to inspire young people to take a career path in STEAM,” Ms Rattray said.
City of Mount Gambier Library and Community Development manager Georgina Davison said the STEAM Futures Forum promotes careers in science with 20-minute power talks that are ideal if for anyone exploring career options or who is interested in a serve of science in action.
Pop-up displays from TAFE SA, UniSA and One Forty One will also showcase study and career pathway options.
“The STEAM Futures Forum is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and explore the exciting possibilities that STEAM education and careers offer,” she said.
“We hope to inspire lifelong learning and innovation.”
Super Science Saturday will kick off at the library and Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre on Saturday, August 17, where the community is encouraged to explore the wonders of modern technology and engage in hands-on STEAM-based activities designed to ignite a passion for science.
“You can take part in a range of STEAM-based activities, including Slime Lab, Intro to Robotics, 3D Printing, VR, and much more,” Ms Davison said.
“A new ‘Library of Things’ STEAM collection will also launch on Super Science Saturday.
“This collection allows items to be borrowed from the Library including Sphero Indi, Code Master, Brain Box and more.
“The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is offering an immersive experience to unleash your creativity through Virtual Reality Tiltbrush, using a variety of brush styles and palettes to paint within a landscape that engulfs participants on all sides.”
A Special Science Storytime will then take place on August 13 at 10.30am. ‘Ouch! Tales of Gravity’ by Kate Simpson and Andy Hardiman will be read, followed by a hands-on activity exploring gravity.
“City of Mount Gambier is thrilled to support National Science Week, offering a wide range of engaging activities that people of all ages can enjoy,” Ms Davison said.
All Science Week events are free with bookings required for the STEAM Futures Forum.
Contact Mount Gambier Library on 8721 2540 or book online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.
