Family Science Day

Parramatta Square hosts a dynamic line-up of local scientists discussing the role science plays in the world alongside hands-on activities and interactive performances.

Street Science 10.30am, 12.45pm, 2.15pm
Street Science is a high-octane stage show that brings science to life with demonstrations including flame and cloud creations, flying objects and more. This show is for scientists of all ages.

Vegetable Plot 11.15am, 1.30pm
Blending music, storytelling and laughter while fostering a food revolution for future generations.

Science Safari 12pm
Discover the fun side of physics and chemistry with live demonstrations including liquid nitrogen explosions, colourful chemical eruptions, carbon dioxide mini rockets, flying toilet paper, levitating beach balls and much more.

Robots and Rovers 10am–3pm
Learn how small robots can be controlled using a visual coding language. Experience captivating demonstrations featuring a quarter-scale replica of NASA's 2011 Curiosity Mars Rover, meticulously built by the Powerhouse workshop team using open-source schematics from NASA. 

Powerhouse Parramatta 10am–3pm
Get an update on the progress of construction for Powerhouse Parramatta. Gain valuable insights into the project, which will deliver exclusive international exhibitions, education programs, and community initiatives, all set to captivate over 2 million visitors in its inaugural year.

Sydney Water 10am–3pm
Over 50,000 kilometers of pipes move water in and out of homes across Greater Sydney, BlueMountains and the Illawarraeach and every day.Learn about the urban water cycle, and what belongs in the bin, to avoid one of Sydney Water’s biggest challenges – chokes and blockages.

Macquarie University 10–3pm
Take part in an engineering challenge and learn what it takes to make a bridge strong through building your own paper structure.Put on a headset and step into a virtual reality world of aerodynamics. View a space shuttle up close and learn about airflow.

University Technology of Sydney 10am–3pm.
Enjoy live demonstrations and experiments from UTS scientists and engineers. Meet Spot, a state-of-the artrobotic dog, try out new robotic arm technology, get up close with microorganisms that inhabit the ocean and delve into quantum physics.

MARCS Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Development 10am–3pm
Prepare for a mind-boggling experience at our brain-tastic installation. Delve into the artful side of neurology and unlock the secrets of brain health.

ANSTO 10am–3pm
What is a nuclear reactor, a neutron beam, asynchrotron or a cyclotron? Meet scientists from Australia's Nuclear Science and TechnologyOrganisation to find out.

Australian National University 10am–3pm.
Create your own unique wellness zine through cutting, pasting, hacking, crafting, mapping, and layering. You will design your renewable energy futures in the style of a wellness EnergiZine, tailored for home, workplace and community spaces.

University of New South Wales 10–3pm
Students from Sunswift Racing team display their solar car and discuss their design, racing program, clean energy transport solutions and other activities run by UNSW.

At the PHIVE Foyer, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of interactive experiences and engaging programs.

StoryTime 10am–3pm
Listen to authors and artists reading their stories about science, nature and the significance of the clean energy transition. Don't miss the opportunity to hear Bjorn Stormberg, a senior researcher from Australian National University and author of the children's book Amy's Balancing Act, as he shares his inspiring tale.

Library balcony Telescope 10–3pm
See the Solar System and use a star map to see what the sky will look like on your birthday.

Meet a Scientist 10am–3pm
Have questions on astronomy, health and medicine, climate change and environmental science? Ask scientists in this drop-in session.

ANSTO 10am–3pm
Meet Scienctists from Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Home of Australia’s most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research.

3D Printing 10am–3pm
3D printing is a powerful tool contributing to scientific fields including sustainability, engineering and medical research. Design your own prototype using basic 3D modelling techniques and see a demonstration.

Sound Sandwich 10am–3pm
Dive into the fascinating world of sound as you craft your own unique instrument using everyday objects. 

Microbit 10am–3pm
Learn how to code with this pocket-sized computer.

Telescope 10am–3pm
See the Solar System and use a star map to see what the sky will look like on your birthday.

Rocket building 10am–3pm
Explore physics and aerodynamics, unravelling the secrets of how a paper rocket flies.

Street Science Stall 10am–3pm
Meet the Street Science team and participatein hands-on activities. 

MARCS Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Development 10am–3pm
MARCS is an interdisciplinary research institute of Western Sydney University. Meet their experts and hear about their work in robotics, neuroscience and childhood development.

Westmead Institute of Medical Research 10am–3pm
View human cells up close using high-definition precision microscopes to look at slides that show different types of cells including white blood cells and cancer cells. There will be competitions to win a 'blood cell' plushy, plus an area to ‘dress like a scientist’ and learn how to use a pipette to create colourful art. 

Volunteer Discovery Stations 10am–3pm
Volunteers will be operating discovery stations, offering a hands-on opportunity to explore stories from our collection. Whether your curiosity lies in space, the microscopic world, or the workings of our senses, these stations are the perfect place to start conversations.

Westmead Institute of Medical Research 10am–3pm
View human cells up close using high-definition precision microscopesto look at slides that showdifferent types of cells including white blood cells and cancer cells. There will be competitions to win a 'blood cell' plushy, plus an area to ‘dress like a scientist’and learn how to use a pipette to create colourful art.

Volunteer Discovery Stations 10am–3pm 
Volunteers will be operating discovery stations, offering a hands-on opportunity to explore stories from our collection. Whether your curiosity lies in space, the microscopic world, or the workings of our senses, these stations are the perfect place to start conversations.

Street Science 10am–3pm
Meet the Street Science team and participate in hands-on activities.

Rocket demonstrations 12.30–3pm
Meet Powerhouse educators and talented Powerhouse workshop staff where you will learn about projectile motion.