Bringing science to the streets of MOTAT

Experience the fascinating science behind volcanos, robots and lasers at the MOTAT Science Street Fair on Sunday 2 April.

Hosted in partnership with the University of Auckland, the NZ Association of Scientists and other experts, this family focussed annual event brings the wonders of science out of the classroom and into our everyday lives. “Having grown into a popular and highly anticipated occasion, the Science Street Fair demonstrates MOTAT’s commitment to hands-on learning by allowing youngsters to interact with Kiwi scientists who are innovators and leaders in their field” says MOTAT CEO Michael Frawley.

“Children are naturally inquisitive. We want them to engage with science and get excited about its many possibilities through the wide array of demonstrations we have planned,” says Mr Frawley. “Visitors will be encouraged to interact with the exhibits and ask questions of the experts on hand. This way they’ll gain a valuable understanding of the science behind cutting-edge eye gaze technology, microscopes, earthquake detection, anthropology, physics and much more.”

The impressive line-up of leading Kiwi scientists exhibiting at the Fair includes the multi-award winning and explosive nano-scientist, Dr Michelle Dickinson. Dr Dickinson’s day job is working as a senior lecturer in Engineering at the University of Auckland. After hours however, she becomes Nanogirl, a superhero determined to get children (especially young girls) enthusiastic about science. Michelle defies all the boring scientific stereotypes - she's a stylish, female scientist with a passion for outdoor sports. She devotes hundreds of hours towards furthering her cause to make the serious subject of science fun and accessible. “We are very excited to be hosting such high calibre scientists. They are all incredibly passionate about science and have fantastic knowledge to share,” says Mr Frawley.

Science Street Fair visitors are also invited to play with the light and sound of Beambox, the award-winning interactive playground that brings the worlds of science and digital art together. This installation features seven large cubes that move on a grid andproduce light and sound responses through laser communication with each other. These playful ‘characters’ demonstrate that physics is all around us - even in a playground - and reveal the vital role of light in our lives.

Along with several other scientists from the University of Auckland, the following organisations will be attending: Massey University, Zombiebots, DEVORA, Quakecore, Actigaze™, Photon Factory, Early Learning Lab, the Association for Women in Science and the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour.

For more information about MOTAT and our exhibitions, please see the website: www.motat.org.nz or follow the Museum’s Facebook page.

ENDS

Location: MOTAT – 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland

Date: Sunday 2 April 2017, Time: 10am to 4pm

Normal MOTAT admission fees apply:
$40 Family Pass (2 adults, 4 children)
$16 Adults
$8 Students/children 5-16 yrs
Free for MOTAT Mates, children under 5 and SuperGold Card holders

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