Call to volunteer at some great community events 2023 National Science Week!

As part of 2023 National Science Week, 12 to 20 August, we are helping organisations source volunteers to be a part of some great STEM engagement activities.

Every year National Science Week offers many community-focused events that bridge the gap between scientific research and the public. There is a growing demand for these community events, as we shift to the post-pandemic era, and they are always popular. As community initiatives they rely on a handful of skilled and passionate volunteers to help with the logistics.

Why get involved?

This is a wonderful opportunity for STEM undergraduate students and other passionate individuals to gain experience in science and community engagement programs.

By signing up, you will gain insight on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of events, and how your STEM studies can extend into community-based initiatives. These events are fundamental in conveying the importance of research and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

You will also be able meet and connect with other peers. Like many volunteer-based initiatives, this is a terrific way to create new friends with similar interests.

WWCC

Please note that you will be required to have a current NSW working with children check (WWCC). If you do not have one of these already, it is a quick process to apply for one online, and free for volunteer work.

Opportunities this year

We have several events held in the metropolitan area this year. We strongly encourage you to invite your friends to apply as well. And you can volunteer for more than one experience of course! Please read the information below before filling in the form https://forms.office.com/r/RM8ntJVhvS

OPPORTUNITIES

Science of Nature Community Open Day at Sydney City Farm

Location: Sydney City Farm, 52 Barwon Park Road St Peters, NSW 2044

Date of event: Saturday 12 August, from 10am to 3pm

Details: There are two shift options: 9.30am to 12pm, 11am to 1.30pm.

Volunteers will need to arrive on time to be given a short induction and start immediately. Volunteers will work alongside farm staff assisting community participation in botanical craft activities and potting up flower seeds to take home. There may be other activities that need support on the day.

Information about the event: This is a new event for the City of Sydney and aims to encourage local families to learn more about their natural environment.

Website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/science-of-nature-community-open-day/alexandria/

Science Experience @ Redfern Community Day

Event date: Saturday 19 August, 10am to 3pm

Details:  Volunteers will need to arrive by 8.45am for a safety talk and induction and stay until at least 2pm (the event finishes at 3pm) – they will be given breaks throughout the day to see all the activities.

Jobs include assisting with general set up; being positioned at key points to welcome visitors hand out maps of the venue and activities and guiding people around so they get to see everything – there are some little spots that people don’t always visit; encourage all participants to do the surveys before they leave; bringing food and drinks for the activity providers both inside and outside, including making cups of tea for the Elders. We would love some volunteers who are good at taking photos to capture the events as well.

Information about the event: The Indigenous Science Experience @ Redfern is one of the longest running community events for National Science Week. Volunteering is not only a wonderful way to contribute to the running of such a large event, but you’ll also learn a lot about Indigenous knowledge and culture. The event is presented by Macquarie University, but students from any university or TAFE are welcome.

Website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/indigenous-science-experience-at-redfern-3/redfern/

SIGN ME UP!

If one or more of the above opportunities interests you, please fill out the form https://forms.office.com/r/RM8ntJVhvS  We will be in contact shortly after reviewing your application.

Applications close on 19 July at 5pm, but we encourage you to submit as early as you can.

T-shirts
Each volunteer will receive a colourful National Science Week t-shirt so you can be clearly identified. Please let us know your size on the form as well.


ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES – apply direct

Sydney Science Trail – Australian Museum and Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney

Event dates: Monday 14 to Sunday 20 August

Details: Sydney Science Trail offers school excursion programs and community events from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 August. Aimed for primary and secondary students, the schools’ program will include interactive STEM workshops, a self-guided tour in the Australian Museum, and other activities and presentations to engage with students with science. Community events will be held at the Australian Museum on Saturday 19August and at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan on Sunday 20 August.

Information and external application link: https://australian.museum/get-involved/volunteer/sydney-science-trail/


Please contact us by email if you have any questions inspiringnsw@sydney.edu.au