23 February 2008
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Public Affairs Coordinator
media@questacon.edu.au
02 6126 2216 or 0439 399 912
Huntsman, funnelwebs and insects are the order of the day at Questacon! Visitors to Questacon today can wrap themselves in a web of intrigue as they listen to Dr Linda Rayor from Cornell University, New York as she delivers presentations on the Romance of Spiders, or if they dare a close encounter with one of Dr Rayors’ huntsman.
Spiders Day will include presentations and informal talks with scientists, Dr Linda Rayor and Assoc Professor Dave Rowell, ANU School of Botany and Zoology as well as hands-on interactions with spiders and insects. The Questacon Excited Particles will present their Rip Slash Go and Mega Predator shows to entertain and educate throughout the day.
“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.
Today will also see the re-opening of Questacon’s Eaten Alive – The World of Predators exhibition. This amazing exhibition explores the range of techniques predators use to find and capture prey. Teeth, claws, tongues, nets, barbs, traps and even water pistols are used by predators to catch their prey. Eaten Alive has toured to other Australian science centres since leaving Questacon at the beginning of 2005.
Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre celebrates 20 years of inspirational science this year. Since opening in 1988 more than 6.8 million people have visited Questacon in Canberra, with a further 14.9 million engaging with a travelling exhibition or program across Australia. Questacon’s exhibitions have also toured internationally to 31 countries.
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.