Chemistry gets Radical at Questacon

26 May 2007

Ever heard of a free radical, an antioxidant, or wondered how a polymer is made? Today, visitors to Questacon can find out the answers to those questions and a whole lot more!

The day will include presentations, hands-on-activities, demonstrations, computer games and simulations all revolving around chemistry.

Discover the chemistry of air and food. Find out if garlic really does keep vampires away. Zoom through a 3D journey to discover the molecular structure of common foods such as chocolate or make your very own polymer bouncy ball. Listen to Professor Stephen Lincoln as he talks about the chemistry of climate change.

“Questacon is committed to providing entertaining and educational science-related events for visitors. These events provide opportunities for the public to interact with scientists and explore science in the context of everyday life. I am looking forward to the outcome when the Free Radicals meet our own Excited Particles,” said Professor Graham Durant, Questacon Director.

This exciting event will feature scientists from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology, based in Melbourne. There will be presentations from scientists and hands-on workshops suitable for the whole family.

"We are really excited about sharing our love of chemistry with the broader community as we don't often get the opportunity to engage on this level with the public. Chemistry is all around us and we hope that at the end of the day people will go home thinking about the world in a slightly different way, and of course, understand a little more about the great research being undertaken by Australian chemists," said Professor Carl Schiesser, Centre Director, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology.

Questacon is Australia’s largest interactive science centre. Through science exhibitions, science theatre and performances, travelling programmes and online content, Questacon is a national leader in popularising science and technology, raising awareness of the role of science and technology in shaping the future, and improving scientific literacy Australia-wide.