This year, the NZ International Science Festival has curated a sampler of science-related events to tide its audience over between the biennial festivals.
There are 18 events over four days, covering a broad range of science genres, from the ocean to space, from misinformation to mātauranga, from chemistry to computers and all sorts in between.
Keep reading for a taste of what’s in store.
14-17 July
The big blue blocks are back! Let your child's imagination run wild in this child-directed, open-ended play space. Time in the Imagination Playground encourages creative thinking, collaboration, sharing, movement and scientific thinking. We provide the blocks, you provide the fun!
CODE Virtual Reality & Gaming Centre
14-17 July
Immerse yourself in the digital realm at our Virtual Reality Centre! We have partnered with CODE to bring you the latest VR experiences from right here in New Zealand and around the world. From relaxing virtual tours to high-octane gaming madness, there's something for everyone! This is an immersive experience like no other with the latest headsets for you to play with discover new worlds!
14-17 July
Drop by our VR Artists' Stage to watch local artists try their hand at creating virtual art. Artists of all kinds from street artists to sculptors and with varying levels of experience in VR will use different VR art programmes to create their work.
Space Science
10am-3pm, Saturday 16 July
Explore the science of the moon, planets and stars! We'll be simulating meteor impacts, demonstrating the gravitational forces of our solar system, exploring the phases of the moon, and launching film canister rockets!
10:30am & 1:30pm, 14-17 July
What do all the main components in a computer actually do? Join our computer building workshop to find out! Using e-waste and recycled computer parts, you’ll build, test and run a desktop computer – and maybe take it home!
Our Ocean: Bringing Marine Climate Data to Life
10am-4pm, Saturday 16 July
Transform data into stories and artworks in an immersive workshop exploring ocean climate change. Capture visual stories of local marine species that give meaning to scientific data and enhance the visibility of our changing ocean and the threat this poses to local marine life.
10am-3pm, Thursday 14 July
This is all about forces and energy. Make popsicle stick bombs, explore energy transfer with dominoes, see the incredible chain fountain, and build your own chain reaction from our collection of random objects.
The Disinformation Project
5:30pm-7pm, Thursday 14 July
Eroded information ecologies: social cohesion, trust and the impact of misinformation. The Parliamentary protest, for many, was their first insight into the impacts of misinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand. With a focus on social cohesion and inclusion, this talk by Kate Hannah, Director of the Disinformation Project, explores the misinformation ecosystem, the role of trust, and provides a call to action for communities.
10am-3pm, Friday 15 July
Put your engineering skills to the test! Attempt to build the tallest cup tower, strongest paper bridge, or the sturdiest tinfoil boat. There are prizes for the structures that outperform all others at the end of the day!
Lights, Camera, Science!
2pm-3:30pm, Saturday 16 July
Join us for a ‘wild’ afternoon of short science and nature films and Q&A with filmmakers from the Department of Science Communication. The five films will delve into the worlds of birds, biofuels, and disease-sniffing dogs.
2pm-3pm, Saturday 16 July
Explore the mysteries of the everyday! How do we know what is inside the Sun? Can we hold boiling water in our hands? The Department of Physics invites you to journey from the realm of the hot to the very cold and uncover exciting facts about our world and universe!
50,000 Years of Life
5:30pm-7pm, Friday 15 July
How has the Dunedin Study pushed the boundaries of science? Has it affected national and international policy? Has it made an impact in the real world? Spend an evening with Richie Poulton and fellow Dunedin Study researchers as they review 50 years of working with the thousand participants.
5:30pm-7pm, Saturday 16 July
What does science have to say about the state of our Three Waters systems? Leave politics at the door and hear from a range of experts about the need for water systems reform in our communities and how the Three Waters framework intends to address the issues.
Chemistry and Mātauranga for Matariki
2pm-3pm, Sunday 17 July
The University of Otago Chemistry department weaves chemistry and mātauranga Māori around stars, space and Matariki. There will be the usual chemistry bangs and flashes, and stories from Te Ao Māori that bring a new perspective to a traditional science show.
11am-3pm, Sunday 17 July
Did you know the pigfish can grunt and shrimp can snap? Join musician Judah Kelley to investigate ocean sounds! Learn how sound is created by marine animals, what it is used for, and how it travels through water. Collect your own sounds from the ocean and turn them into pieces of music in this fun and creative workshop!
E-waste Drop-off Point
14-17 July
We can accept the following: cell phones, laptops, desktop computers, tablets, computer screens, household printers, computer cables, keyboards and mice, as well as household and computer batteries (batteries must not be leaking, corroded, expanding or otherwise damaged). Data will be destroyed but we recommend clearing this yourself before drop-off.
General information
Tickets are available at www.scifest.org.nz (eftpos available but no cash sales).
Many events are free or entry by donation, but advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment when events sell out. Booked participants will receive advance notice of any event updates or cancellations.
All attendees under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The NZ International Science Festival is taking all precautions necessary to ensure our events run safely and within guidelines set by the Government. All festival events will comply with the Covid Protection Framework in place at the time they happen. Masks are required at all indoor events. If you are not feeling well on the day, please stay home.
