Immerse yourself in water at Questacon

14 December 2010

We are surrounded by water every day but few realise why it is so important.  H₂O—Soak Up the Science, Questacon’s new $1.5 million permanent water exhibition, invites visitors to delve into water and discover the many different forms, features and compositions of this life giving element.

Officially launched today at Questacon—The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra by Olympic swimming gold medallist, Susie O’Neill, H₂O—Soak Up the Science explores how water shapes our world, supports our climate and influences our society.

“As someone who has spent a considerable part of their life in and around water it’s a great honour to be asked to be involved in the launch of H₂O—Soak Up the Science.  Water has provided me with the opportunity for some of my greatest achievements,” said Susie O’Neill.

“Few of us would have spent as much time surrounded and immersed in water as Susie O’Neill was during her swimming career. With 16 interactive exhibits H₂O—Soak Up the Science engages and inspires visitors to learn more about this precious resource,” said Questacon Director Professor Graham Durant.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the Hydrotram.  A seven metre tall water cycle exhibit, art meets science in this dramatic and beautiful representation of H₂O.

“This inspiring exhibit displays water in all its forms, as water flows through the Hydrotram it takes the form of mist, ice, steam and fog as well as rain as it cycles around the environment from water catchment to our homes and back again.

“Developed by Questacon and supported by the National Water Commission, H₂O challenges visitors to look more closely at water and examine how its basic chemical composition determines how we use it,  how we conserve it and how it influences and supports life,” said Professor Durant.

Visitors to H₂O will be able to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and see there really is twice the amount of hydrogen as oxygen, as represented in the chemical formula H₂O. On the large digital waterfall visitors will discover interesting facts on water, rainfall, our water footprint and how to save water.

“The opening of H₂O is the culmination of a very exciting year for Questacon.  We have experienced record visitation, completed a major refurbishments program and recently we were awarded our sixth consecutive Tourist Attractions Award at the Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards,” said Professor Durant.

Ms Susie O’Neill appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International