Sharing Western Sydney University STEM research achievements with local communities.
A new science public engagement program has been launched from the Western Sydney University (WSU) STEM Cluster to engage new audiences in discussions with WSU researchers through science experiences that are creative, informative and entertaining.
The overarching program goal is to inspire young people to pursue an interest or aptitude in science by encouraging curiosity through intriguing themes such as astronomy, biodiversity, cybersecurity, AI and robotics.
The free activities are designed for families in an area where public science activities are limited.
The program is also designed to target teens, especially those who may have had little exposure to scientific concepts and STEM careers, with the intention to strengthen their interest in science to inspire the current and next generation of STEM research leaders.
To accompany the events, WSU have also developed a podcast series where STEM experts are interviewed and work in their field is made accessible to the broader public in a conversational format.
Sci-fi: Fact vs Fiction Saturday, 30 September 2023, 6 pm to 9 pm WSU Penrith Observatory, Werrington North Campus, Western Sydney University Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/NiEEs0dz5y
After a three-year hiatus, WSU are re-opening the WSU Observatory to the public, with an exploration of the unbound hostility of deep space and the challenges behind space travel. They will screen the 2013 space thriller Gravity followed by a panel of WSU expert researchers brought together to unpack the fact of the film and what elements are pure fiction.
Following the panel discussion Q&A, visitors can take a tour of the observatory dome, and view the night sky through a range of telescopes with the Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group. Roaming astronomy students, passionate about all things space, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their pathway towards a career in astronomy.
Feature image: Penrith Observatory at night
Cybercrime Villains and Heroes Friday 6 October 2023, 10 am to 12 noon 8 Hassell Street, Level 2, Launchpad Incubator, Parramatta, Western Sydney University Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/5Vsgz0LK2L
Interested in becoming the next generation digital defender? Join the dynamic team from the Centre for Cybersecurity Aid and Community Engagement (Western CACE) to learn the inner workings of our digital landscape and strengthen your cybercrime fighting capabilities. Who are the bad guys, and who are the ethical hackers? Can you crack the cybercrime code?
To celebrate National Water Week, WSU are offering a special family workshop by the incredible Erth Puppetry team. Create a gorgeous water dragon hand puppet to take home.
The workshop will be followed be a panel of WSU ecologists and environmental science leaders discussing their research projects on turtles, platypus and other animals of our waterways, and why they are important indicators of environmental health.
Learn how you can jump on board citizen science projects, such as the 2023 Eureka Prize winning 1 Million Turtles, and other ways you can help protect and preserve our local waterways.
Our National Water Week event concludes with a ‘Wetlands Walk and Talk’ at Mountain View Reserve. Explore the diverse and thriving communities of unique plants and animals of the reserve with expert ecologists and Landcare. Create a frog hotel, and take home a free tree to help support our local biodiversity.
Sharing Western Sydney University STEM research achievements with local communities.
A new science public engagement program has been launched from the Western Sydney University (WSU) STEM Cluster to engage new audiences in discussions with WSU researchers through science experiences that are creative, informative and entertaining.
The overarching program goal is to inspire young people to pursue an interest or aptitude in science by encouraging curiosity through intriguing themes such as astronomy, biodiversity, cybersecurity, AI and robotics.
The free activities are designed for families in an area where public science activities are limited.
The program is also designed to target teens, especially those who may have had little exposure to scientific concepts and STEM careers, with the intention to strengthen their interest in science to inspire the current and next generation of STEM research leaders.
To accompany the events, WSU have also developed a podcast series where STEM experts are interviewed and work in their field is made accessible to the broader public in a conversational format.
Check out the Inspiring Australia Nepean Science Hub for more information.
Upcoming Events
Sci-fi: Fact vs Fiction
Saturday, 30 September 2023, 6 pm to 9 pm
WSU Penrith Observatory, Werrington North Campus, Western Sydney University
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/NiEEs0dz5y
After a three-year hiatus, WSU are re-opening the WSU Observatory to the public, with an exploration of the unbound hostility of deep space and the challenges behind space travel. They will screen the 2013 space thriller Gravity followed by a panel of WSU expert researchers brought together to unpack the fact of the film and what elements are pure fiction.
Following the panel discussion Q&A, visitors can take a tour of the observatory dome, and view the night sky through a range of telescopes with the Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group. Roaming astronomy students, passionate about all things space, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their pathway towards a career in astronomy.
Feature image: Penrith Observatory at night
Cybercrime Villains and Heroes
Friday 6 October 2023, 10 am to 12 noon
8 Hassell Street, Level 2, Launchpad Incubator, Parramatta, Western Sydney University
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/5Vsgz0LK2L
Interested in becoming the next generation digital defender? Join the dynamic team from the Centre for Cybersecurity Aid and Community Engagement (Western CACE) to learn the inner workings of our digital landscape and strengthen your cybercrime fighting capabilities. Who are the bad guys, and who are the ethical hackers? Can you crack the cybercrime code?
National Water Week: Water is Life
Workshop
Thursday 19 October 2023, 4 pm to 7 pm
Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/ha3YzU1R28
To celebrate National Water Week, WSU are offering a special family workshop by the incredible Erth Puppetry team. Create a gorgeous water dragon hand puppet to take home.
The workshop will be followed be a panel of WSU ecologists and environmental science leaders discussing their research projects on turtles, platypus and other animals of our waterways, and why they are important indicators of environmental health.
Learn how you can jump on board citizen science projects, such as the 2023 Eureka Prize winning 1 Million Turtles, and other ways you can help protect and preserve our local waterways.
Walk & Talk
Saturday 21st October 2023, 10 am to 12 noon
Mountain View Reserve, Cranebrook
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/T0VLxe622
Our National Water Week event concludes with a ‘Wetlands Walk and Talk’ at Mountain View Reserve. Explore the diverse and thriving communities of unique plants and animals of the reserve with expert ecologists and Landcare. Create a frog hotel, and take home a free tree to help support our local biodiversity.
Share this: