Pilot an airship through sky hoops, ride the hovercraft and land a plane on the flight simulator. Find out how travel has shaped society and put yourself to the test with a multitude of transport challenges. With more than 20
hands-on exhibits, Going Places is a wild ride. This unique exhibition explores the way mankind has developed new transport technology to overcome gravity, distance and the division of continents to move us around the globe.
Developed by Scitech, Perth
Date: Until 17 October 2010
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Toys: Science at Play
What makes a spinning top stay upright? Why do magnets attract iron? How does a doll talk? This popular interactive exhibition returns to Scienceworks and includes robots, dolls, hula hoops, building blocks, toy timelines and kaleidoscopes. Toys provides plenty of opportunities for all ages with enquiring minds to tinker with toys.
Developed by Scienceworks and Scitech, Perth
Date: Until 18 July 2010
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Discover the Night Sky – Evening Planetarium Program
The Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks presents special after-dark sessions Thursday evenings in March. All evenings include complimentary wine and cheese, the opportunity to chat to the Planetarium’s Astronomer and be immersed in a Planetarium experience. The evening will finish with stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting). Each evening will showcase a different aspect of the night sky:
Thursday 4 March: Backyard Astronomy
It’s not just stars you can see in the night sky – planets, comets, shooting stars and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look.
Thursday 11 March: Travel the Universe
We invite you on a tour of the Universe that will take you from Spotswood to the far reaches of space.
Thursday 18 March: Deep Sky Wonders
Explore magnificent galaxies, sparkling star clusters, mysterious gas clouds and much more.
Thursday 25 March: Our Solar System
Journey through planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets. Marvel at the beauty of each unique world and the stories they tell.
Session times: Commence 7pm.
Cost: $26 per person, MV members $21, Season pass $89.
Bookings essential: Call 03 9392 4819 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm
Wright Engine – Centenary of flight in Australia display
See the engine from the first powered aeroplane to fly in Australia. The plane was a Wright Model A, designed by Orville Wright of the Wright brothers. Piloted by English racing driver Colin Defries and named ‘The Stella’ after Defries’ wife, the plane flew about 100 yards (91m) on 9 December 1909. The flight was witnessed and reported by several reliable sources, but was not officially recognized and the first flight trophy was awarded to Harry Houdini (Ehrich Weiss) in 1910. This engine is one of the most significant aeronautical artefacts in Museum Victoria’s collection.
Date: From 18 March 2010
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Autumn Holidays
Spin out this autumn at Scienceworks and explore the science of toys that turn and tumble. Make your very own toy to take home and view a dynamic science show featuring things that spin.
Date: 27 March to 11 April 2010
Machines in Action Day
Take a ride on a model steam train and check out historic vehicles in action as they parade around the arena. Items on display include the Cowley Steam Roller, Cowley Steam Traction Engine – the only working Australian made traction engine in the world – along with the Super Sentinel Steam Wagon, the K.L. Bulldog Tractor and many others.
Date: Sunday 28 March 2010
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Winning Sky Photos: the David Malin Awards
A display of spectacular images of the sky from the annual photography competition named after the world-renowned astrophotography and competition judge, Professor David Malin.
Exhibition developed by the Central West Astronomical Society and toured by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.
Date: Untill 11 April 2010
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Harrison Refrigerator Model
Come and see a model of the first successful industrial refrigerator (1857) developed by James Harrison of Geelong. An internationally significant invention, the refrigerator was used in breweries, hotels and distilleries throughout Britain, Europe, South America and Australia. This model was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, United States of America, from 1964 to 2002 and is now on show at Scienceworks.
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood. (Melway 56, B1). Open daily 10.00am – 4.30pm. Admission: Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE. For further details ph 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks