National Science Week 2019 with YWCA Canberra

This year YWCA Canberra Clubhouse celebrated National Science Week  with a free open day to showcase all we have to offer and to encourage more engagement with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Music (STEAMM).

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres. With over one million people participating in science events across the nation, these attract a wide audience of all ages, from science amateurs to professionals.

National Science Week recognises and celebrates the impact Australian scientists have had on the world. It seeks to motivate younger people to explore their world and inspire the public to become involved in science activities and occupations.

As a free learning space open every afternoon on school days, the Clubhouse wants to support as many young people as we can to explore their interest in STEAMM. We have already reached more than 350 young people aged 10-18 years, but we want to reach more. As part of National Science Week, we had a range of challenges and we used every resource and piece of equipment we had available for young people to tinker with, learn, and have fun! This list includes:

• virtual reality with the Oculus Rift
• coding with the Sphero SPRK+
• electronics with littleBits
• photography with two Canon DSLR cameras
• visual effects with the green screen
• graphic design with Canva
• art and craft with painting, oil pastels, scrapbooking, drawing and more
• 3D modelling and printing with the MakerBot
• music learning and recording with GarageBand, keyboards, an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar, ukuleles, Djembe drums, and a kaossilator

One participant took on the challenge to block code the Sphero SPRK+ through a maze built with LEGO! She used her resilience and problem solving skills to adjust the code and after only a few attempts, she managed to guide the Sphero through seamlessly!

Our open day was not only to show young people how much fun STEAMM is, but to encourage adults currently interested in or working in the STEAMM fields, to inspire and engage our members by becoming a mentor. Clubhouse mentors help young people express themselves and support current members as they connect their interests with technology and creative skills.

Every week is National Science Week at the Clubhouse, and we’re very excited to continue exploring the many different aspects of science, as well as marrying science with technology, engineering, arts, maths, and music.