31 July 2008
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Public Affairs Coordinator
media@questacon.edu.au
02 6126 2216 or 0439 399 912
Questacon’s newest exhibition, Measure Island was today officially opened by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Senator Carr was joined by local and interstate school children and Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant, at the official opening of Measure Island.
"Measurement underpins all science, industry, commerce, manufacturing and engineering.
"Measurement of time, weight, distance, quantity and speed are fundamental to our daily lives. We frequently need to be able to estimate quantities. Scientists require both accuracy and precision when measuring extremely small quantities.
"Measure Island explores the concepts of history of measurement and demonstrates why Australia’s standard, verifiable measurement system is vital in every aspect of society," Senator Carr said.
Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant, explained that measurement was chosen as the exhibition topic because of its pivotal importance to science and technology and linkages to mathematics curriculum throughout Australian schools.
“Measure Island is the result of more than eighteen months work. Our talented and dedicated exhibition team based at our Fyshwick facility, have yet again produced another engaging and educational exhibition,” said Professor Durant.
The Measure Island exhibition contains 24 interactive exhibits including a kiosk developed in conjunction with the National Measurement Institute. The exhibition examines the concepts of good measurement, measurement systems and techniques and helps the visitor discover the importance of accurate measurement in daily life.
Measure Island is designed around a fictional land with a rich jungle-themed set design of monuments and statues built by a long-lost civilisation. Measure Island will remain at Questacon until early 2010 before touring across Australia.
Since opening on 23 November 1988, Questacon has welcomed more than seven million visitors to the Centre, today reaching an impressive 7 032 465.