Science Showcase: Decoding the Universe – using Nature’s hidden language

We invite parents and students to our special Science Week evening featuring Associate Professor Elisabete Lima de Cunha, Astrophysicist and Principal Research Fellow for the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) who will talk to us about her work with the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope in the Murchison region, as well as the James Webb Space Telescope. Specifically, she will articulate how these amazing technologies have transformed our understanding of the Universe, using the hidden language of the electromagnetic spectrum of waves. She will also highlight the job opportunities that already exist and will arise in the future from these installations.

This night of exploration is sure to ignite everyone’s inner scientist. Tickets are free but booking is essential!

6:45 pm – 7:30pm: Associate Professor Elisabete Lima de Cunha lecture in the PRIMARY FORUM including a Q&A session. 

7:35 – 7:45pm: light refreshments in the Science building

7:45 – 8:45pm: Parents and students attend their choice of 45 minute workshop

• Option #1: Pauline Charman – Founder/Director BioBarcode Australia. (Suitable for students Year 10 to 12)

  Participate in a hands-on 45 minute workshop facilitated by BioBarcode Australia staff and St Stephen’s School Science teachers, to decode DNA from a sample of plant, insect or fungus using advanced biotechnology called gel electrophoresis.

• Option #2:  Extracting DNA from strawberries (Suitable for students Year 7 to 10)

  Participate in a hands-on 45 minute workshop facilitated by St Stephen’s school Science teachers in a Science laboratory where you will extract the DNA out of the cells of strawberries using lab equipment and techniques.

• Option #3: Breakout Box - DNA: The Blueprint of Life! (Suitable for students Year 10 to 12)

  In this gamified Breakout Box 45-minute workshop, students will explore how DNA encodes and communicates with other cells to make us who the human beings we are. As they solve the genetic puzzles and de-code DNA, they will reveal clues to unlock a series of locks. In the process they’ll learn about Genetic inheritance, and DNA's role as the blueprint for building and maintaining our bodies. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of DNA?

Please note tickets are limited to three per family to ensure everyone can enjoy this experience.