11 June 2007
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Public Affairs Coordinator
media@questacon.edu.au
02 6126 2216 or 0439 399 912
Ever wanted to ask a scientist what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica? How cold does it get? What’s the difference between Antarctica and the Arctic? Why are penguins black and white? Visitors to Questacon today can find out the answers to these questions and more at Polar Day!
The day will include presentations and informal talks with Antarctic scientists, Dr Dan Zwartz and Dr Andrew Dowdy, as well as hands-on polar science experiments suitable for the whole family. Visitors can discover how whales feed, the consequences of icebergs melting and discover how animals survive in the harsh polar regions of the world.
“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 have fun exploring science,” said Professor Graham Durant, Questacon Director.
Dr Zwartz is an earth scientist with the Australian National University and has travelled to Antarctica on many occasions. Dr Zwartz will deliver presentations throughout the day to provide Questacon visitors with an insight into living and working in Antarctica, and even a story or two on what it’s like to spend 36 hours straight in a sleeping bag!
Dr Dowdy is an atmospheric physicist and has spent a lot of time in Antarctica researching climate change, including a 15 month continuous stay at Davis Station, where he was a member of the Search and Rescue Team and grew hydroponic food for the station.
Polar Day is part of Questacon’s International Polar Year (IPY) programme. IPY is a major international collaborative programme dedicated to understanding more about the world’s polar regions. Further information on IPY can be found at www.ipy.org
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.