National Science Week in the Gardens 11 – 19 August 2012

Celebrate National Science Week at the Australian National Botanic Gardens with a range of fun and interactive experiences for people of all ages.

Family Science Day | Sunday, 12 August

For a unique behind the scenes experience, the Australian National Botanic Gardens will be opening the doors of the Australian National Herbarium (ANBG site), Production Nursery and Seed Bank for tours and demonstrations.

Discover the world of Australian seeds and how seed banking is part of one of our nation’s policies for conserving our native flora.

See some of the 1.2 million herbarium specimens stored in the Australian National Herbarium, dating back to Joseph Banks’ collection trip on Captain Cook’s voyage to Australia in 1770.

Engage with a range of hands-on science experiments scattered throughout the Gardens or enjoy a free guided walk with our volunteer guides.

When: Sunday, 12 August
Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Age: All ages
Cost:  Free

Limited numbers to the Seed Bank and Australian National Herbarium.

Book your session ticket from the Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre on arrival.

Down to Earth Horticulture Workshops

The Down to Earth Horticulture Workshops are designed to be both practical and relevant for the Canberra home, community and farm gardens and include hands on learning.

Presented within the beautiful surrounds of the Australian National Botanical Gardens, participants will enjoy the relaxed learning environment. No prior knowledge or experience required.

Workshop 1 - Sunday 12 August, 10.00 am – 11.30 am - Transform Your Garbage into Gold: Backyard composting, presented by Gerry Gillespie (Zero Waste Australia)

Workshop 2 - Sunday 19 August, 10.00 am – 11.30 am - Nuts and Bolts of Healthy Soil: how soil works and how to improve it, presented by Rhonda Daly, Managing Director of YLAD Living Soils.

Both workshops will be held in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Banks Glasshouse

Workshops are free but bookings are essential.

Garden’s Science Trail

Outdoor science engagement for the whole family with a hands-on self guided trail investigating science at the Gardens.

Pick up your guide from the Visitors Centre and head out on a path of discovery.

When: 11 – 19 August
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free

Cafe Scientifique

Lively and social science discussions held in the relaxing Floresco in the Gardens Cafe and facilitated by engaging expert speakers. Learn, engage and consider a range of environmental science issues.

Special Cafe Scientifique Tapas menu available on Friday nights and Gourmet Hamburgers on Wednesday night (inc vegetarian and gluten free options).

Cafe 1 Topic - Climate Change: Threat or Theatre?

When: Friday, 10 August
Time: Cafe ‘happy hour’ from 5.00 pm with presentation from 6.00 pm

Cafe 2 Topic - Exam time stress and the natural cure: What is the relative importance of the natural environment to youth behaviour, socialising and general well being? with Josh Creaser, Co-founder of Switched On Schools ACT and Coordinator of ACT Branch of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition

When: Wednesday, 15 August
Time: Cafe opens at 4.30 pm with presentation from 5.00 pm
Cafe Scientifique is free but bookings are essential

Cafe 3 Topic - Benefit of Foods with local footprint: Fact or Fallacy? with Pennie Scott, Food Activist and designer of ecological communities.

When: Friday, 17 August
Time: Cafe ‘happy hour’ from 5.00 pm with presentation from 6.00 pm

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