Author: Karen Player

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Earth Science Week

Earth Science Week is celebrated from 11-17 October 2015. Join Virtual Excursions Australia to get involved in a week of down to earth fun!

Earth Science Week is an international celebration initiated and hosted by the American Geosciences Institute, promoting the importance of the geosciences to the community

ALIVE exhibition documentation

12 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters.Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

13 Oct

Earth Science Week – Fascinating Fossils
Time: 9:30

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week – Geology Rocks
Time: 11:00

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 11:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

14 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 11:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

15 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

16 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week – Fascinating Fossils
Time: 9:30

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

 

Earth Science Week – Geology Rocks
Time: 11:00

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 11:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters.Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters.Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week

 

 

 

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Celebrating Biodiversity Month

Biodiversity Month is held in September each year and aims to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity both within Australia and across the world.

 

The Manly Environment Centre presents a series of video conferences to celebrate Biodiversity Month.

The Manly Environment Centre (MEC) was set up as an action and education based environment centre promoting sustainable living practices through practical projects.

 

Tuesday 1 September

Biodiversity Month – Possums and their habitats

Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Biodiversity Month, Manly Environment Centre is offering the opportunity for students to learn to learn about the importance of biodiversity in relation to possums and the environment in which they live.

Throughout the session students are encouraged to complete a range of creative and research based tasks and watch a number of educational videos in order to learn about biodiversity in Australia.

Friday 4 September

Biodiversity Month – Birds and their habitats
Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Biodiversity month, students will undertake a number of creative and research based tasks throughout the session that encourage them to take a closer look at Biodiversity in Australia.

In this session, Manly Environment Centre is encouraging students to get involved and increase awareness about Australia’s unique ecosystems in relation to biodiversity by taking a close look at Australia’s bird life.

Monday 7 September

To recognise Threatened Species Day and Biodiversity Month the Australian Museum is offering video conferences on how you can find more about the animals living near you.

Fascinating Frogs

Time: 9.30am
Frogs play a key role in many food webs, both as predators and as prey. By observing frog populations, we can get a good indication of the condition of the environment as frogs are sensitive to environmental change.

Minibeasts Magnified

Time: 12.30pm

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

Museum Secretes Revealed

Time: 2pm

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum. Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection.

Tuesday 8 September

Threatened Species Day
Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Threatened Species Day, Manly Environment Centre is encouraging students to learn about our endangered native wildlife and the things that they can do individually and as a class to help protect these animals and their habitats.

Tuesday 15 September

Biodiversity Month – Australia’s marine life & Sharks
Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Biodiversity Month Manly Environment Centre is offering the opportunity for Stage 3 students to learn about biodiversity in Australia’s marine life.

With a particular focus on sharks, students will have the opportunity to view a variety of educational videos and participate in a number of tasks that encourage them to raise awareness about Australia’s Biodiversity.

Thursday 17 September

Fizzics Education presents sessions on Bees for Biodiversity Month.

Biodiversity month: What’s the buzz on bees?
Time: 10am

Discover the secret life of bees! During this workshop come up close and personal with bees as well as the tools used in bee keeping. Guided by a experienced bee keeper, you’ll learn why bees are so essential in pollination and how they contribute to the global economy.

Biodiversity month: What’s the buzz on bees?
Time: 11.30am

Discover the secret life of bees! During this workshop come up close and personal with bees as well as the tools used in bee keeping. Guided by a experienced bee keeper, you’ll learn why bees are so essential in pollination and how they contribute to the global economy.

Biodiversity month: What’s the buzz on bees?
Time: 2pm

Discover the secret life of bees! During this workshop come up close and personal with bees as well as the tools used in bee keeping. Guided by a experienced bee keeper, you’ll learn why bees are so essential in pollination and how they contribute to the global economy.

 

Find out more about how you can recognise Threatened Species Day and Biodiversity month

Biodiversity Month
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Sleek Geeks Eureka Awards

Join the Sleek Geeks and the 2015 Eureka Awards finalists to view the winning films and hear from the students about how they developed and produced their films.

The Sleek Geeks are two of Australia’s best loved science broadcasters. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Adam Spencer mix science with humour as they set out to answer some of the perplexing scientific mysteries we encounter on a daily basis.

The University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is offered to primary and high school students and encourages students with a passion for science and for communicating ideas to tell a scientific story using a short video.

This event will showcase some fascinating science, provide an insight into science communication and the insider tips might just help your students excel in next year’s competition. You and your students will also be able to tweet any questions you have for the winning students or Dr Karl and Adam Spencer through to @SLEEKGEEKS.

Dr Karl & Adam Spencer

The University of Sydney and the Sleek Geeks are looking forward to sharing this experience with you!

 Book now with DART Connections

See the website for more information on the Sleek Geek Eureka Prize

sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/primary-school/eurek

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NAIDOC Week 2015

NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

This year the theme highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea. The theme is an opportunity to pay respects to country; honour those who work tirelessly on preserving land, sea and culture and to share the stories of many sites of significance or sacred places with the nation.

Virtual Excursions Australia is presenting the NAIDOC Week Video Conferencing Festival. This event will run before and after the July school holidays for student across Australia. Please join the Australian Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, State Library of NSW and Sydney Olympic Park for a series of fabulous events.

3245420_237684_Video Classroom Donna Carstens 8929

22 June

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 10:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 11:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 12:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

23 June

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 10:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 10:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 11:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 12:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 14:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

 

24 June

NAIDOC Week – Language on Tumblr and Sacred Land Sculpture workshop

Time: 10:00

Overview: This interactive video conference for Stage 2 and 3 students is centred on the NAIDOC 2015 theme of We all stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate. Learn about the State Library language resources with the Indigenous Services team, and see how they are now being shared through social media. Use some Sydney Language words in a creative activity where students reflect on sacred places and build a miniature 3D model of their own special place

 

26 June

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 10:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 14:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

 

14 July

NAIDOC Week – Indigenous Totem workshop

Time: 11:00

Overview: The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material.

NAIDOC Week – Indigenous Totem workshop

Time: 12:00

Overview: The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material.

NAIDOC Week – Indigenous Totem workshop

Time: 13:00

Overview: The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material.

 

15 July

NAIDOC KOORI CLASSROOM: The origins and meaning of NAIDOC

Time: 14:00

Overview: “To know the future we must first know the past” (Aunty Fran Bodkin D’harawal Elder). In this session of our Koori Classroom series, D’harawal knowledge keeper, Shannon Foster will guide students through the origins of NAIDOC – also part of her own family story.

 

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

PMC001_15_NAIDOC_logo_inline

 

Virtual Excursions Australia is proud to support this event

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Inspiring Stories – Women and Science Symposium 2015

It all started with a discussion my environmental scientist daughter and I had about the numbers of girls opting out of science and scientific careers because of the negative stereotypes. She said it was such a shame that girls by not considering science as option were locking themselves out of some amazing careers. We were talking at the time about some of the scientists I have worked with and have met here at the museum and some of the incredible experiences they have had. She commented, it is disappointing that those stories aren’t common knowledge and available to students making decisions about their future.

From that a small conversation an idea began to germinate, I ran it past a couple of my colleagues who all thought that could have potential. A little more research and contacting some possible speakers my idea of a Women and Science Symposium began to blossom. Another conversation with my daughter who again urged me to do this (or else!) and my idea has now taken on a life of its own.

A newsletter lead me to my final link to my day with how to guide students from school to university life and to employment opportunities through a inspiring conversation with UNSW Australia’s Veena Sahajwalla and the Science 50:50 program, who agreed to come and chair the day also bringing many of her industry partners and having the Sydney launch of Science 50:50.

Veena50-50 Credit - Tamara Dean
Veena Sahajwalla – Image Credit – Tamara Dean

The 11.30am panel chaired by Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, features four scientists with a distinct maritime feel. (Well we are a Maritime Museum). Micheline Jenner from the Centre for Whale Research Western Australia, Dr Katy Croff Bell Expedition Leader Vice president and Chief Scientist Ocean Exploration Trust USA via video link and Dr Katherine Dafforn and Dr Inke Falkner both from Sydney Institute of Marine Science. The panellists will discuss their work and different experiences as well as inviting questions from students.

After the first panel presentation, students who visit the come to the museum will be offered a behind the scene, tour of the ANMM conservation lab with conservator Rebecca Dallwitz. The 1.30pm session will feature the launch of Science 50:50 a program that aims to inspire young women to pursue degrees and careers in science and technology so they can succeed in an innovation driven future. Science 50:50 makes the simple point – since half the population is female, why not half the scientists and technologists? By informing and engaging young women with the power of science and technology to solve complex problems and transform lives, and by introducing them to Australian scientists and innovators who are doing just that, Science 50:50 can help recalibrate the gender balance.

Image Credit - Maja Baska 2014
Image Credit – Maja Baska 2014

 

The session be once again chaired by Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla will feature a keynote speaker, as well as panellists from Science 50:50 industry partners such as CSIRO, IBM, Cochlear, Woolworths, Arrium, Brickworks, Australian Museum Research Institute, Global Product Stewardship Council. Students will have the opportunity to learn about scientific careers beyond university, internships and competitions. A panellist meet and greet will be held at the conclusion of the session for any students who attend the day.

I believe that the day will be in the spirit of International Women’s Day, with the aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, who also happen to be girls to do amazing things.

Women in Science Symposium at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Inspiring Stories – Women and Science Symposium 50:50 project is on 6 March 2015.

Bookings essential bookings@anmm.gov.au or 92983655

 

2 session are available through video conferencing with DART Connections

Inspiring Stories Women and Science Symposium 50:50 project – 6 March 2015  11:30am

Inspiring Stories Women and Science Symposium 50:50 project – 6 March 2015  1.30pm

 

Science 50:50 – Inspiring Young Women into Science

UNSW_logo

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How to deliver virtual excursions

At the last Virtual Excursions Australia meeting discussions came back to some of the fundamental questions about becoming a content provider.

  • What equipment do I use?
  • Should we charge for our sessions?
  • How much should we charge?
  • How can I make sure my sessions interactive?
  • How many students or classes can be involved in a session?

The difficulty with most of these questions is that there is no right answer and depends on your organisations content, audience and purpose.

However these guideline will help you make an appropriate decision for your organisation.

Equipment

In resent years there has been a move away from hardware equipment like H.323 video conferencing equipment, to software based solution like Zoom, WebEx and Skype.

In terms of equipment the next questions is do I install a fixed unit or a portable unit on a trolley. A portable unit gives you the flexibility to move spaces; into a different office or classroom or even into a gallery or exhibition space. This is also a useful option if you have competing programming demands on your space. However a fixed unit can reduce your set up and pack down time and allows you to create a themed space.

I used a fixed unit for these session at the Australian Museum in the Australia’s First People’s education room and it creates an amazing atmosphere.

Derek from the Australian Museum presenting the Totems workshop
Derek from the Australian Museum presenting the Totems workshop

 

For other sessions I used our mobile unit which allows me to get close to some of our incredible specimens.

Karen form the Australian Museum presenting Giants from the past
Karen form the Australian Museum presenting Giants from the past

To Charge or not to Charge?

The question of charging also varies; some organisation are mandated to deliver free programs, other have to cover additional staff costs and therefore have to charge. Projects that have been developed with grant funding will usually be free during the funding period.

Currently in Australia session prices range from free up to $350 for the high end unique experiences. You can see that there is a big variation and cost recovery is something to consider when setting prices. I believe offering a range of free and charged sessions is a good option and provides the greatest opportunities for schools to connect with your organisations content.

Remember if your content is high quality schools will pay to connect with you, free session also don’t automatically book out.

The other challenge we discussed at the meeting was the issue of schools booking a place in your session and not showing up. This seems to be more common when sessions are free. Some content providers find that if there is a small charge on their session instead they get less no shows. This is something to consider and trial.

Interactivity

There are many different ways to make a video conferences interactive and you need to find options that work for your content. I’ve created a list of a few different options you can try.

  • include short activities
  • incorporate actions or movement
  • have group answers eg. get everyone to answer simple questions together
  • create artworks during the session
  • run experiments
  • include a quiz
  • leave plenty of time for questions

There are many other ideas but this list is a start. You can also combine options depending on the type of session you are running.

How big should I make the session?

This depends on the type of session you are running. If you want a detailed discussion with an expert, then  1 or 2 classes is appropriate. If you have a special high profile guest, then you will want to open up the bookings to multiple schools. If you have over 10 schools try using Twitter or a messaging channel to get questions in, this will make the session feel more interactive without disrupting the flow.

I generally limit class number to 4 – 6 schools for the sessions I deliver. This has been determined over the last 5 years of delivering programs. However we limit the numbers of schools when we have designed sessions with more discussion.

 

I hope this information helps you get started and Virtual Excursion Australia content providers are happy to help out if you want more information.

 

 

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Virtual Science Club

In May and June 2014 a number of Virtual Excursions Australia members were involved in a video conferencing science club that brought students from across Sydney to do science experiments in an informal after school session in 3 Sydney libraries.

Coordinated by Fizzics Education, Sydney Olympic Park and Greater Western Sydney GIANTS Football Club, the 7 week program linked hands on science experiments with leadership and life skills.

Each week guests from a number of Virtual Excursion Australia members were able to join the sessions whereby the students could learn all about organisations such as the Australian Museum, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, ReefHQ, Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum, State Library NSW, Powerhouse Museum, Macquarie University and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Video Conferencing Science Club presented by Fizzics Education with special guests from the Australian Museum
Video Conferencing Science Club presented by Fizzics Education with special guests from the Australian Museum

This science club represented the first of its kind in Australia and showed the strong potential for collaborative technologies to bring together distant communities together to learn about their world and culture in a real time environment.

Check out the video of the program at Vimeo – Video conferencing science club

Thanks to Blacktown Libraries, Auburn Library and Hurstville Museum & Gallery for hosting the students!

For further information about how you can get involved please contact Ben Newsome at Fizzics Education.

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Dinosaur Day 2014

The Australian Museum has been involved in the ClickFest video conferencing festival since it started in 2011 and is proud to be part of this exciting event. ClickFest will be launched with Dinosaur day on 3 November 2014.

Join Winny the Australian Museum’s Muttaburrasaurs as she opens ClickFest and Dinosaur day.

winny roar

Dinosaur Day – Meet Winny

Time: 10:00

The Australian Museum launches the 2014 Dinosaur Day with Winny our Muttaburrasaurs. Come along to meet Winny to learn more about Australian Dinosaurs. Winny Saurs is a life size Muttaburrasaurs dinosaur puppet and she takes you on a journey to explore her world. You will be transported back 100 million years into Cretaceous and discover what life was really like for the dinosaurs.

 

Dinosaur Day – Fascinating Fossils

Time: 13:00

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

 

Further Information: See the Australian Museum website for extra resources.

 

These sessions are being hosted by the Distance and Rural Technologies (DART). DART connections help us by providing a booking system, technical support and marketing to teachers.

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ClickFest 2014

SciFest showcases science across Australia

ClickFest is an annual video conferencing festival run in November each year. ClickFest is an exciting initiative from education organisations across Australia. It highlights the diversity and scope of video conferences available to schools across Australia. Sessions are delivered free or at reduced cost to schools, providing a great opportunity for teachers to give it a go.

Topics and programs will vary over the month long video conferencing festival to provide flexibilty for teachers and students. Each day multiple sessions will be available on a variety of topics from content providers around Australia.

SciFest showcases science across Australia

4 November 2014

CLICKFEST: Transport Past & Present
Time: 10:00
Overview: Have you ever wondered what types of transport zoomed around our streets, railways and skies before motor cars, electric trains and planes? Come find out with Finn, our 20th Century transpor…

CLICKFEST: Sustainable Solutions Workshop
Time: 11:30
Overview: Put on your eco-designer thinking caps and take part in this hands-on workshop! Learn about ecological footprints and what it means to be sustainable. Meet Mr Airhead and teach him how to th…

CLICKFEST: Creative chemistry workshop
Time: 14:00
Overview: Designed to cover a broad range of chemical concepts that is accessible to primary students.- kitchen chemistry found at home- physical changes vs. chemical reactions- acids vs bases and ind…

CLICKFEST: Primary PD Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development
Time: 15:30
Overview: Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to…

5 November 2014

CLICKFEST: For Good Measure fun with measurement and standards
Time: 10:00
Overview: What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video co…

CLICKFEST: Minibeast Magnified
Time: 11:00
Overview: Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.Minibeasts Magnif…
5 November 2014 cont.

CLICKFEST: Museum Secrets Revealed
Time: 10:00
Overview: Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection. Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how …

CLICKFEST: Geology Rocks
Time: 13:00
Overview: The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a vo…

6 November 2014

CLICKFEST: Human Body – Look at the major body systems and senses
Time: 09:00
Overview: Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop! Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work? Heart, kidneys, bones, liver and other…

ClickFest – Australian Giants

Time: 09:30

Overview: Giant animals from dinosaurs to megafauna have roamed the Australian continent at different times. Find out about some of these Australian giants. Look at fossils and learn what they tell us…

ClickFest – Australian Giants

Time: 10:30

Overview: Giant animals from dinosaurs to megafauna have roamed the Australian continent at different times. Find out about some of these Australian giants. Look at fossils and learn what they tell us…

7 November 2014

CLICKFEST: Innovation (Yr 4-10)
Time: 09:30
Overview: Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre offers engaging workshops that enable students to explore science, technology and innovation through experience. Whether they are inves…

CLICKFEST: Innovation (Yr 4 – 10)
Time: 11:30
Overview: Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre offers engaging workshops that enable students to explore science, technology and innovation through experience. Whether they are inves…

CLICKFEST: Innovation (Yr 4-10)
Time: 13:30
Overview: Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre offers engaging workshops that enable students to explore science, technology and innovation through experience. Whether they are inves…

CLICKFEST: Museum Secrets Revealed
Time: 10:00
Overview: Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection. Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how …

CLICKFEST: Minibeast Magnified
Time: 11:00
Overview: Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeasts Magnif…

CLICKFEST: Geology Rocks
Time: 13:00
Overview: The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a vo…

10 November 2014

CLICKFEST: 4 Slimes in 30 minutes – Kitchen Chemistry fun!
Time: 14:30
Overview: 4 slimes in 30 minutes…. how could you go wrong?!?Join Fizzics Education for SciFest as we dive into kitchen chemistry in this fun yet educational workshop. Slimes we will investigate are:-…

11 November 2014

CLICKFEST: Transport Past & Present
Time: 10:00
Overview: Have you ever wondered what types of transport zoomed around our streets, railways and skies before motor cars, electric trains and planes? Come find out with Finn, our 20th Century transpor…

CLICKFEST – Art Around the Library Session 3 – Captain Cook – Portrait drawing

Time: 10:00

Overview: Explore the extraordinary Pictures Collection of the State Library of NSW in this exciting new series of video conferences held on Tuesdays during Term 4. Highlighting five different artwork…

CLICKFEST: Sustainable Solutions Workshop
Time: 11:30
Overview: Put on your eco-designer thinking caps and take part in this hands-on workshop! Learn about ecological footprints and what it means to be sustainable. Meet Mr Airhead and teach him how to th…

CLICKFEST – Art Around the Library Session 3 – Captain Cook – Portrait drawing

Time: 12:00

Overview: Explore the extraordinary Pictures Collection of the State Library of NSW in this exciting new series of video conferences held on Tuesdays during Term 4. Highlighting five different artwork…

12 November 2014

CLICKFEST: For Good Measure fun with measurement and standards
Time: 10:00
Overview: What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video co…

18 November 2014

CLICKFEST: Transport Past & Present
Time: 10:00
Overview: Have you ever wondered what types of transport zoomed around our streets, railways and skies before motor cars, electric trains and planes? Come find out with Finn, our 20th Century transpor…

CLICKFEST: Sustainable Solutions Workshop
Time: 11:30
Overview: Put on your eco-designer thinking caps and take part in this hands-on workshop! Learn about ecological footprints and what it means to be sustainable. Meet Mr Airhead and teach him how to th…

19 November 2014

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 09:30

Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult.

CLICKFEST: For Good Measure fun with measurement and standards
Time: 10:00
Overview: What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video co…

CLICKFEST: Museum Secrets Revealed
Time: 10:00
Overview: Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection. Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how …

CLICKFEST: Minibeast Magnified
Time: 11:00
Overview: Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.Minibeasts Magnif…

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:00

Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult.

CLICKFEST: Geology Rocks
Time: 13:00
Overview: The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a vo…

21 November 2014

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers
Time: 09:30
Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult…

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:00
Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult..

CLICKFEST: Museum Secretes Revealed
Time: 14:00
Overview: Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection. Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how …

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 12:30

Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult…

25 November 2014

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 09:30

Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult…

CLICKFEST: Transport Past & Present
Time: 10:00
Overview: Have you ever wondered what types of transport zoomed around our streets, railways and skies before motor cars, electric trains and planes? Come find out with Finn, our 20th Century transpor…

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:00

Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult…

CLICKFEST: Sustainable Solutions Workshop
Time: 11:30
Overview: Put on your eco-designer thinking caps and take part in this hands-on workshop! Learn about ecological footprints and what it means to be sustainable. Meet Mr Airhead and teach him how to th…

Clickfest – Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 12:30

Overview: In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficult…

26 November 2014

CLICKFEST: For Good Measure fun with measurement and standards
Time: 10:00
Overview: What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video co…

 
Clickfest: Water and Indigenous people

Time: 11:30

Overview: Join Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens as she discusses the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, ..

 

27 November 2014
Clickfest ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Maritime Archaeology

Time: 11:30

Overview: ANMM UNLOCKEDWith ANMM unlocked series, go behind the scenes at the museum and direct to our experts. Maritime Archaeology Manager Kieran Hosty will give students an insight into the role of…

 
Clickfest Pirate School From Cyberspace Attack!

Time: 14:00

Overview: All is not right on the world wide web! The news is out that there has been a series of pirate attacks at a virtual excursion near you! Join the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Pirates…

28 November 2014
Clickfest Pirate School From Cyberspace Attack!

Time: 14:00

Overview: All is not right on the world wide web! The news is out that there has been a series of pirate attacks at a virtual excursion near you! Join the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Pirates…

 

These sessions are being hosted by the Distance and Rural Technologies (DART).  DART connections help us by providing a booking system, technical support and marketing to teachers.

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SciFest 2014

SciFest showcases science across Australia

It is time to start planning for SciFest and National Science Week. The SciFest video conferencing festival is on 4 – 8 August and provides a great lead in to National Science Week 16 – 24 August.  Join in with SciFest and National Science Week to enjoy and explore the wonders and benefits of science.

SciFest showcases science across Australia

SciFest provides an opportunity for your students to connect with exciting science, experts and experiments without leaving your classroom. There will be a variety of activities for students and teachers across the 5 day video conferencing festival. This means there will be something to interest every student.

 

Monday 4 August

SciFest – Museum Secretes Revealed

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum.

Time: 10am

SciFest – Minibeast Magnified

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

Time: 11am

SciFest: Liquid Nitrogen Show – Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases

Find out how solids, liquids and gases change when rapidly heated and cooled. Smash a squash ball! Shrink a balloon instantly! What happens to living things if they are frozen?

Time: 12.00pm

SciFest – Geology Rocks

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption.

Time: 12.30pm

SciFest -Minibeast Magnified

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

Time: 2pm

SciFest: Liquid Nitrogen Show – Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases

Find out how solids, liquids and gases change when rapidly heated and cooled. Smash a squash ball! Shrink a balloon instantly! What happens to living things if they are frozen?

Time: 2.00pm

 

Tuesday 5 August

SciFest: Transport: Past & Present

Have you ever wondered what types of transport zoomed around our streets, railways and skies before motor cars, electric trains and planes? Join the Powerhouse Museum with Finn, their 20th Century transport enthusiast, as he transports you back in time to Sydney in the early 1900s.

Time: 10am

SciFest: Sustainable Solutions Workshop

Put on your eco-designer thinking caps and take part in this hands-on workshop! Learn about ecological footprints and what it means to be sustainable.

Time: 11.30am

SciFest – ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Conservation

With Australian National Maritime Museum unlocked series, go behind the scenes at the museum and direct to our experts. Meet conservator Rebecca Dallwitz who will discuss conservation practices at the museum.

Time: 11.30am

SciFest – Meet the Experts

The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions

Time: 2pm

SciFest: K – 2 Science in Art

Explore chemistry in colourful art creations you can make in your class!
Your class participates in a number of activities as a series of group activities run in class during the video conference.

Time: 2pm

 

Wednesday 6 August

SciFest: For Good Measure: Fun with measurement and standards

What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video conference!

Time: 10am

SciFest – ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Conservation

With Australian National Maritime Museum unlocked series, go behind the scenes at the museum and direct to our experts. Meet conservator Rebecca Dallwitz who will discuss conservation practices at the museum.

Time: 10am

SciFest – Meet the Experts

The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions

Time: 2pm

Scifest: 4 Slimes in 30 minutes – Kitchen Chemistry fun!

4 slimes in 30 minutes…. how could you go wrong! Join Fizzics Education for SciFest as we dive into kitchen chemistry in this fun yet educational workshop

Time: 2pm

 

Thursday 7 August

SciFest: Stars and Planets

Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop. What did the big bang really look like? How are the tides formed? Where is Earth in the Solar System?

Time: 9.30am

SciFest – ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Conservation

With Australian National Maritime Museum unlocked series, go behind the scenes at the museum and direct to our experts. Meet conservator Rebecca Dallwitz who will discuss conservation practices at the museum.

Time: 2pm

SciFest – Meet the Experts

The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions

Time: 2pm

Scifest: 4 Slimes in 30 minutes – Kitchen Chemistry fun!

4 slimes in 30 minutes…. how could you go wrong! Join Fizzics Education for SciFest as we dive into kitchen chemistry in this fun yet educational workshop

Time: 2pm

 

Friday 8 August

SciFest – Weather and Pressure

What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?

Time: 9.30am

SciFest – Museum Secretes Revealed

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum.

Time: 10am

SciFest – Minibeast Magnified

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

Time: 11am

SciFest – Weather and Pressure

What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?

Time: 11.30am

SciFest – Fantastic Fungi

Join our Royal Botanic Garden research scientist and explore the important world of fungi from The Royal Botanic Garden and The Australian PlantBank.

Time: 12 noon

SciFest – Geology Rocks

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption.

Time: 12.30pm

SciFest – Minibeast Magnigfied

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

Time: 2pm

SciFest – Weather and Pressure

What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?

Time: 2pm

 

Bookings and topics are available at DART connections. Simply search SciFest to see all the exciting events from organisations across Australia.

 

SciFest event is proudly supported by Virtual Excursions Australia

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