Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Access to STEM & Nature

This event series has been proudly supported by National Science Week, an Australian-wide initiative running from 10th to 18th August, 2024.

‘Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Access to STEM & Nature’ is a series of free science-based workshops targeted towards under-represented groups and people with special needs. Participants may include but are not limited to: people with disabilities, people living with dementia, those in elderly or culturally isolated demographics, people with mobility issues and neurodivergent people. This project aims to provide equitable science experiences to people of all abilities.

Custom tailored for smaller groups and catered to each group’s requirements, these workshops will offer a smorgasbord of science and nature-based activities. These may include: macro-invertebrate sampling and identification, verandah talks and birdwatching, guided nature walks, microscope slide analysis, tactile and sensory-based crafts, water quality testing, touch table exhibits and enriching two-way science activities.

In addition to modern STEM learning, guests will also have the rare opportunity to explore Ancient Sciences with partnering Noongar leaders. Integrating indigenous sciences and culture, participants can partake in cooking demonstrations, immersive bushwalks, expressive painting sessions and learn about traditional toolmaking.

Each session will be divided into three rotations (or more if time allows) and have a maximum of 10-15 participants.

Please advise at the time of booking what the participant (for instance, yourself, your client or dependant) will require or what considerations are to be made to maximise their experience.

There are nine 1-hour workshops to choose from, to be delivered across three days in Science Week. The sessions are as follows:

• 9.00am-10.00am, Monday 12th August
• 10.00am-11.00am, Monday 12th August
• 11.00am-12.00pm, Monday 12th August
• 9.00am - 10.00am, Tuesday 13th August
• 10.00am-11.00am, Tuesday 13th August
• 11.00am-12.00pm, Tuesday 13th August
• 9.00am-10.00am, Friday 16th August
• 10.00am-11.00am, Friday 16th August
• 11.00am-12.00pm, Friday 16th August

Please also note that children under 18 years of age and people who require significant care must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

COST: Free of charge, however bookings are essential.

SUITABLE FOR: People of any age above 7 years, exclusively from underrepresented groups in the community. We encourage group bookings from organisations.

WHEN: Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Friday 16th August 2024.

WHERE: Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre, on the corner of Flynn and Selby Street in Wembley, Perth.

WHAT TO BRING: A hat, closed-in shoes, a watterbottle and light snack (optional).