Children staying at Townsville University Hospital and Ronald McDonald House have been given a special sneak peek at the activities on offer at this Saturday's Townsville STEM Faire.
Riverway Library and the Riverway Amphitheatre will come alive this weekend with live science shows, talks from leading researchers, interactive challenges, hands-on experiments, science play for kids and more for this family-friendly event.
Science show performer Dr Graham Walker said he was thrilled to be able to get children staying at Ronald McDonald House involved in his science show.
"No one should miss out on the joys of science and I'm stoked I can bring some smiles and experiments to the kids in hospital as well as the wider community at the STEM Faire," Dr Walker said.
"My shows are all about celebrating the fun and wonder that science brings - from marshmallow cannons to liquid nitrogen teddy bear volcanoes - and there'll be plenty of laughs and learning for all ages. It'll be fantastic to get back to Townsville - you're always a curious crowd."
Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia CEO Tamara South said hosting the STEM experience in the Ronald McDonald Family Room made it extra special for families with a child in hospital.
"When you have a child in hospital, life can feel overwhelming. The Family Room is a space where families can take a breath, and experiences like the STEM Faire bring much-needed joy and a sense of normality," Ms South said.
"We're so thankful to Townsville City Council and the STEM Hub for creating this opportunity — it's wonderful to see children light up with curiosity and excitement, even during such challenging times."
Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the STEM Faire was organised by Townsville City Council and the Townsville STEM Hub to help foster residents' lifelong love of learning.
"Council is focused on growing Townsville into a future-ready city. Science, technology, engineering and maths are essential skills for our community and for our workforce, with STEM graduates going on to be employed in fields like robotics, software engineering, spatial analysis, national security and many more of our country's growing industries," Cr Greaney said.
"We want to see STEM skills recognised and celebrated right across our community, which is why Council is hosting the Townsville STEM Faire at Riverway. This event will bring activities and talks for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a seasoned expert or a curious kindergartener.
"I'd like to particularly encourage families and young people to head along to the STEM Faire. There are so many areas to learn from across STEM disciplines and it's never too early or too late to spark curiosity in your children and teenagers."
The Townsville STEM Faire will run from 8am to 3pm this Saturday at Riverway Library and Riverway Amphitheatre. Entry is free.
Townsville STEM Faire is proudly supported by Smart Precinct NQ, James Cook University and the Queensland Government's Engaging Science Grants.
