Professor Sackett discusses her involvement in National Science Week events across Australia.

• 19 October 2009

Recently, I had the good fortune to participate in a number of National Science Week events across Australia.

Starting in the Nation’s Capital, I attended the launch of National Science Week and sent a message off to Gliese 581d, a planet orbiting its own “sun” outside our Solar System that may support life.

“Our observations indicate that your planetary system is a low-mass star orbited by at least four planets, can you confirm?”

My message was transmitted with 25,877 others from around the world at midday on Friday 28 August 2009. They were sent by the NASA/CSIRO Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla, Australia, using the 70-metre main antenna known as DSS43. To read more of the messages sent go to http://www.hellofromearth.net/

Professor Graham Durant (Director of Questacon), Minister Carr and Professor Sackett at the Launch of National Science Week.

Moving north, I launched Science in the City in Sydney, an annual event run by the University of Sydney, the Australian Museum, and the City Council of Sydney. Students from across NSW came to experience the fun of science by participating in hands-on workshops. Talking to Australia’s top scientists also gave the students an opportunity to explore the possibilities for a career in science. I definitely had some fun while I was there: my favourite activities were watching and petting a tame Tawny Frogmouth, and personally isolating the DNA of strawberries. You can try isolating DNA yourself at home – just visit the Strawberry DNA isolation story. As for frogmouths, well, you’ll have to have a keen eye and some patience, because these birds specialise in camouflage and remaining very still.

A Tawny Frogmouth – often confused with owls, Tawny Frogmouths are more closely related to nightjars

In Brisbane, I visited Wavell State High School to discuss science career options with students. I also participated in the official launch of the Queensland National Science Week with Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Peter Andrews, in a unique art and science interactive display that allows participants to understand the sounds, sights and smells of the world of the honey bee.

I also helped Captain Starlight bring some fun, laughter and science to sick kids at the Mater Children’s Hospital with the Captain Starlight National Science Week TV launch.

Professor Sackett with Chelsea Davidson at the Captain Starlight National Science Week TV launch.

In Darwin I had a hectic schedule with activities ranging from the Top End Science Fair, school visits to two remote indigenous schools, the bush food of Arnhem Land Science Fair, and The First Astronomers artistic talk.

The first astronomers talk brought together Bill Yidumduma Harney, senior custodian of the Wardaman people, and Ray Norris, a UK born and educated CSIRO astrophysicist Ray Norris. They explored their separate experiences of the sky and the meaning it holds for humanity. This event was part of the Darwin Festival and took the point of view that, like music and art, astronomy can build a strong bridge of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians as we all share the same sky.

Ray Norris, Professor Sackett and Bill Yidumduma Harney at the First Astronomers Artistic Talk, Darwin Festival.

At Belyuen Primary School I participated in The Science of Entertainment Goes Outback, a program run by Newcastle University, which shows kids the science of making movies and special effects.

Belyuen School, NT

At Maningrida Community Education Centre (an hour and a half bumpy but beautiful charter flight from Darwin), I took part in the Bush Food of Arnhem Land Science Fair, a very tasty affair. I had the privilege of tasting traditional indigenous food such as Quandong (wild peach) and bush tomato chutney, barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile meat, and bush pig cooked in the traditional way with hot coals.

I also learnt some traditional tracking skills and sat in with some students as they learnt how to test bush foods for starch (a type of carbohydrate) such as yams, Bunya pine seeds, Burrawang seeds, Long-leaved Mat Rush, cycad seeds, malanga and mung beans. This workshop was designed to help teach the students about nutrition and also learn scientific testing methods.

Professor Sackett joins students from Maningrida Community Education Centre as they test bush foods for starch.

Professor Sackett talks with Students from the Maningrida Community Education Centre

I thoroughly enjoyed my National Science Week experiences and would be interested in hearing about yours…