The libraries, with grant funding from National Science Week South Australia, have scheduled a series of free and engaging online activities around Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology (15-23 August), with the first events taking place on Monday 17 August and running until 28 August.
City of Onkaparinga Manager Libraries and Community Centres Stuart Purves says the program offers something for all ages, and all you need for most activities is access to a computer or digital device.
“We’re so lucky to live alongside this beautiful coastline,” Stuart says.
“These activities not only celebrate what makes these marine environments special, they discuss what’s threatening them and why they’re important to protect.”
“Whether you’re keen to learn more about the science behind these environments and their inhabitants, get more involved in conservation or simply get creative, there’s something here for everyone.”
Click the links below to learn more about the activities and to register.
Virtual Reality Adventures
Any time
Register online
Explore the many wonders of our marine environments through the power of virtual reality.
Book your free Goggle Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset (limit one per family), collect it from any of Onkaparinga’s six libraries and follow the guide for some amazing marine adventures!
Suitable for all ages. A smartphone is required for this activity.
Underwater with Arduino
Multiple dates and times
Register online
Join Techspace Learning online and investigate our local water environments while learning about Arduino (an electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software) and basic programming skills.
Suitable for ages 10+ and computer access is required. Limit of one Arduino kit per family, available for pickup upon registration from Onkaparinga Libraries.
Plastic NOT Fantastic
Thursday 20 August, 10am–10:30am
Register online
Enjoy two fun-filled activities exploring water density and the impact of plastic pollution, as well as what you can do about it!
Make your own saltwater jars and mini oceans, learning about flotation and what happens when plastic pollution occurs.
Suitable for ages 5-8.
Sustainable Development Goals Book Group – Life Below Water
When: Tuesday 25 August, 4pm–5pm
Register online
You’ll explore the issues our oceans and marine life face, discuss books and ultimately look at what you can do to help our oceans and marine life thrive.
Join this book group to chat about life below the water. The group meets monthly to read and discuss books with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Suitable for 6-12-year-olds.
Beach Detectives
Wednesday 26 August, 4pm–4:30pm
Register online
Become a Beach Detective and see what clues about the past you can find on the beach!
You’ll join Beach Detectives, Sarah and Matt, as they search for clues that can tell us how your shoreline might’ve looked millions of years ago.
Suitable for ages 5+.
Oil spill… we need your help
Thursday 27 August, 3:30pm–4:30pm
Register online
Some of the biggest man-made environmental disasters ever to impact our environment and wildlife are oil spills.
The effect these have can be devastating, with the clean-up and after-effects lasting sometimes decades.
In this activity you’ll simulate an oil spill at home and as budding scientists, environmentalists and engineers, you’ll help clean it up!
Suitable for ages 8+.
Float a Boat
Friday 28 August, 4pm–4:30pm
Register online
What makes a boat float or sink? What materials can you use to build a boat?
Explore along as we build boats and see if they float!
Suitable for ages 5-8.