Spectacular Science goes International at Questacon

19 September 2008

A spectacular science performance full of explosions, fireballs and breathtakingly beautiful science was held today at Questacon. The performance, by leading Japanese and Australian science performers, was the latest in a program of events celebrating Questacon’s 20th anniversary.

The joint Australia-Japan Science Theatre performance was the culmination of a five-day Science Performers Exchange between Japanese science centre performers and Questacon science communicators.

During the series of workshops, participants shared their knowledge and experiences of presenting science demonstrations, shows and performances. Participants explored themes of science communication in informal learning settings, presentation of scientific concepts, adapting science theatre for different audiences and using special effects to enhance atmosphere.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for the Japanese participants to share their knowledge with, and learn new skills from, the Questacon presenters. We look forward to returning to Japan and performing the demonstrations developed together this week,” said Mr Yusuke Kumano of the National Museum of Nature and Science.

The five Japanese participants were selected by Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. The program was funded by the Australia Japan Foundation, established to strengthen the Australia-Japan relationship across a broad range of areas including education, culture and business.

Participants worked together to create exciting presentations for performance in Australia and Japan on the topics of earth, air, fire and water.

Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant said the Science Performers Exchange was another opportunity for Questacon to celebrate and strengthen its ongoing relationship with Japan in this anniversary year.

“The collaborative work of these outstanding science presenters will continue as participants return to their respective science centres and perform the shows and demonstrations developed at Questacon this week.

“Questacon is a major innovator in informal learning. Presenting scientific concepts in entertaining and accessible formats such as these science performances today, encourages people to further explore the fascinating world of science,” said Professor Durant.

Questacon opened in 1988 as a joint Australia-Japan Bicentennial Project. The Japanese Government and business community contributed half the cost of the building, the headquarters for Questacon’s national and international operations.