Questacon > Teachers > School Group Bookings

School Group Bookings

Questacon aims to engage students’ minds through hands-on activity. By exploring the interactive exhibits, students develop their understanding of science and technology concepts. This understanding can be enhanced by interaction with their peers, teachers and Questacon’s helpful Explainers.

Essential information

Location

The Centre is located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin on King Edward Terrace, Parkes (on the corner of Mall Road West), in the midst of Canberra’s national institutions. You can get a map from Google .

Opening hours

Questacon is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Christmas Day. We also have special Q by Night sessions for booked groups.

Admission fees

All admission fees include both entry to the exhibitions and a science show performance in the Theatre.

There are special prices for booked school goroups. Each group will receive a number of free supervisor tickets. The number of free supervisor tickets depends on the age of your students. The admission fees and free of charge (FOC) ratios are:

Group Type Price FOC Ratio

Pre-school $9.00 1:4

Primary $9.00 1:10

Secondary $9.00 1:15

Tertiary $10.50 1:15

Supervisors above the ratio will be charges at the same rate as their students.

When you arrive

We ask that the groups enter the Centre through the main entrance on the High Court side of the building. There is bus parking available on the lake side of the building.

Unless the weather is unpleasant, it is best if the students remain outside while payment is arranged with a Questacon staff member. Teachers and supervisors will be briefed by a Questacon staff member before entering the Centre.

We would prefer that your students do not bring bags into the Centre. There are a limited number of storage lockers available if needed. Please ask for a key at the time of payment.

Food

Lunch is available from the Questacon Café. If the students bring their lunch it can be eaten in any of the parks surrounding the Centre. On rainy days consult with a Questacon staff member about eating inside the Centre.

Please ensure that the students do not take food or drinks into the exhibition areas or the foyer at any time.

Questacon’s Café is open everyday for fresh sandwiches, hot food, ice creams, drinks etc. Schools can pre order lunches by contacting the Café on telephone 0488 070 452.

During your visit

For the comfort and safety of the other visitors we ask that the students do not run at any time while in the Centre. We ask that teachers and supervisors remain with their students at all times.

You may need to allow time to visit the Café and the shop. We ask that teachers supervise students in these areas.

Access

The Centre and its exhibitions are designed with the comfort of people with disabilities in mind.

Make the most of your visit

Prepare your students

Studies at Questacon and other science centres and museums show, that students who are well prepared for a visit are more likely to gain from the experience.

Whatever the purpose of your visit, students will benefit from being informed about the Centre, its facilities and what is expected of them during and after the visit.

There are many good reasons for a trip to Questacon.

It can be an exciting tourist venue which combines fun with the opportunity to gain insights into the world of science and technology. It can also be an integral and stimulating part of your class program.

Contact the Group Bookings Coordinator, via e-mail or on 02 6270 2893, to find out how a trip to Questacon can be used to enhance your program.

Take your time

There is a lot to see and do at Questacon. Allow at least two hours for your visit. Some schools spend a whole day.

Be involved

We encourage you to participate in the visit with your students and be available to discuss exhibits and encourage exploration.

Our gallery staff can help you and your students by assisting with the exhibits and offering explanations of the science involved.

See a show

Shows are performed at least three times a day in the Centre. Ask when you arrive to find out which shows are being performed, and when. No extra charge applies to see a show. Here’s more information about our shows.

Take photos

Please feel free to take photos anywhere in the Centre. You may want to take photos as memory joggers or for use in follow up activities back at school.

Visit the shop

The Questacon Shop stocks an extensive range of books, interactive science toys, activity kits, teacher resources and intriguing science gifts. You can also shop online.

A checklist for your visit

Decide on the purpose of your visit
Make a booking for your visit to the Centre (ph: 02 6270 2893). Make sure to ask for up–to–date information on exhibitions and the resources available (or check out the Educational Materials on the website!).
Arrange transport.
Collect permission forms and trip money.
Arrange extra adults.
Brief students and adults about the trip (purpose of the visit, time allowed, tasks to do during the visit, standard of behaviour expected, etc).
Have a great time!

Teacher membership

Questacon has a teacher membership scheme for educators from the ACT and surrounding region, which is only $15 per year, includes:

membership card and one guest pass
free entry entitlement
quarterly update and information
10% discount in Q Shop
member’s lounge access, and
early notification of events and programs.

To find out more call 02 6270 2874 or download the application form (159 kb, pdf)

What is a Questacon anyway?

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre was officially opened on 23 November, 1988. Based in Canberra, the nation’s capital, Questacon is Australia’s leading interactive science and technology Centre.

Questacon was a Bicentennial project, and was Japan’s gift to Australia in the same year that the new Parliament House was opened.

To achieve its aim of promoting greater understanding and awareness of science and technology within the community, Questacon is committed to making an experience with science and technology fun, educational and interactive. Questacon has over 200 exhibits and approximately 300 000 people visit the Centre in Canberra each year.

There are staff in every gallery helping visitors to make the most of their Questacon experience, so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

For further general information contact us at:

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
PO Box 5322
Kingston ACT 2604

Telephone 02 6270 2800
Facsimile 02 6270 2808
24 Hour Recorded Information Telephone 1800 020 603
Outreach Education 1800 889 995

Or via e-mail on info@questacon.edu.au