15 August, 2024, Sydney: Thousands of NSW school students, families and visitors will delve into the exciting world of scientific breakthroughs, exploring how the nation's two leading science institutions – the Australian Museum (AM) and Botanic Gardens of Sydney (Botanic Gardens) - are helping to ensure the survival of species at threat due to the biodiversity crisis.
Part of National Science Week 2024, the Sydney Science Trail (SST) from 10-18 August is one of the largest science festivals in the country with over 80 activities across three locations showcasing the latest science, innovation and technology tackling biodiversity loss.
Inspired by this year's National Science Week theme, Species Survival – More than just sustainability, the jam-packed program includes five days of school excursions for primary and secondary students and two free family-friendly community days, featuring spectacular stage shows, practical workshops, interactive exhibitions, and the opportunity to engage directly with leading researchers and experts.
Most scientists now understand that we are witnessing the sixth mass extinction, the only mass extinction caused by a single species - humans. Both the AM and Botanic Gardens are at the forefront of biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration.
Australian Museum Director & CEO, Kim McKay AO said that in the last 200 years over 100 species of animals and plants have disappeared from Australia –presumed extinct.
"Our rich biodiversity – nature's storehouse, provides us with necessities such as food, water, oxygen, fibres, shelter, medicine and fuel. A wealth of untapped and undiscovered resources is contained within those species, and some may even provide solutions to our unsolved problems."
"During Sydney Science Trail, we encourage visitors to the AM and the Botanic Gardens to celebrate, engage and learn from scientists about how science makes us who we are," McKay said
Botanic Gardens of Sydney Chief Executive, Simon Duffy AM, said the Sydney Science Trail is about inspiring the community to think differently.
This year's theme, Species Survival – More than just sustainability, highlights some of the critical challenges we're currently facing on earth, especially here in Australia which is home to more than 24,000 native plants," Mr Duffy said.
"Our biodiversity is in a state of crisis. Humanity is not living in harmony with our natural world. We need to find a better balance between people and nature and it starts with education and awareness.
"We have a collective responsibility to protect the long-term survival of all plants and animals and through science advancements, we now have incredible capabilities to research and tackle these challenges – the Sydney Science Trail is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate this."
More than 32 schools across greater Sydney will celebrate National Science Week on the Sydney Science Trail with five days of dynamic excursions. The hands-on education program – including a dedicated day for diverse learners - has been designed to spark wonder, ignite curiosity and inspire young minds.
People of all ages will then have the chance to learn about and celebrate the science helping to create critical conservation tools and solve some of the biggest challenges facing life on earth. With free events across two Sydney locations, families can enjoy a fun-filled weekend of learning.
The annual celebration of science at the Australian Museum on Saturday 17 August will be hosted by Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman. The AM will be bursting with family-friendly activity and it's all completely free.
Highlights include:
- Waranara Tours - Visitors can expand their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on this unique tour of objects from the Australian Museum's collections, led by a First Nations guide.
- Fijian Salusalu Demonstrations - A Salusalu (pronounced sar-loo-sar-loo) is a Fijian flower garland/necklace which is woven together by pieces of Vau made from the dried bark of a wild hibiscus plant. Join the AM's Pasifika team in Wansolmoana for a demonstration of the process of making a Salusalu and highlight its historical and cultural significance.
- Ghost Net Weaving - Learn how Aboriginal communities and artists are using ghost net sculptures as a way to tell traditional stories.
- Animal Adaptations - Head to the award-winning learning space, Burra, for hands on activities and create your own example of animal adaptation in action!
- Bug-Tastic! Workshops - Enter the walk-in butterfly tent to see and feed live butterflies and other creeping creatures including stick insects and giant burrowing cockroaches. Look at insects up close under a microscope and try some delicious edible insect treats.
- Feathered Friends Live Shows - Be captivated by free-flying birds and take a glimpse into the wonderful world of feathers. Learn about the importance of bird conservation in this exciting and memorable show with interactive Q&A experience.
The adventure continues at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan on Sunday 18 August for the second SST Community Day. Hosted by science and sustainability author, Lee Constable, families can explore the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland or go behind-the-scenes at the Australian PlantBank and National Herbarium of New South Wales.
Other highlights include:
- Pollination Hub – Meet plant scientist Dr Trevor Wilson and learn about the co-evolution of plants and pollinators and more about conserving these critical relationships
- Story Corner – Meet children's authors, join a storytelling session and discover the suite of books published by
- Koalatown – Discover local and community led conservation efforts by Campbelltown City Council. Learn about local populations of endangered Koala's, efforts to create artificial hollows for Gang-gang cockatoo and other community initiatives
- Frog ID – Join the Australian Museum's FrogID team on a frog walk and learn how you can contribute to this award-winning citizen science initiative
- Rare and at-risk orchids – Discover the mysteries and diversity of NSW's native orchids with botanist Dr Zoe-Joy Newby
- First Nations – Join educators to learn about the importance of fire through land management, travel and trade! While connecting, kids will have the opportunity to practice their fire making skills.
Australian Museum Research Institute Director and Chief Scientist, Professor Kris Helgen, said humans rely on millions of species, which together form global ecosystems, every minute just to stay alive – for instance, every breath of oxygen we take is supplied from plants on land and from plankton and seaweed in the ocean.
"Our scientific research is crucial for addressing the challenges facing the world today. Our malacologists have brought endangered Australian snails back from the brink of extinction, our ichthyologists have discovered previously unknown species in the depths of the Coral Sea, our ornithologists have mapped the bird 'Tree of Life'. This is just a snapshot of the amazing work going on behind the scenes here at the AM, and it's exciting to think what mysteries could be unlocked thanks to the research of our leading scientists. By working together, we can shape a better future for Australia, and our world," Helgen said.
Botanic Gardens of Sydney Chief Scientist, Professor Brett Summerell AM, said he hoped the Sydney Science Trail would inspire more people to discover the power of plants.
"Scientists at Botanic Gardens of Sydney are at the forefront of discovering, preserving, and restoring plants and ecosystems. Once the realm of science fiction, we are now developing technology to combat species loss at a microscale and conducting ground-breaking research at a whole genome scale," Professor Summerell said.
"All life depends on plant life. If we are going to combat the issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, we have to start with saving plants first."
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