Science in focus at JCU this week
First published 14 August 2012
Maths and comedy are not usually included in the same sentence, but the two will be combined as part of events held during National Science Week at James Cook University this week.
Now in its 14th year, National Science Week is Australia’s largest festival for science, and includes more than 1000 events throughout Australia.
The 2012 event will run until 19 August.
This week JCU will host Science Rock Band “Ologism”, a maths comedian that will be performing two shows and a public lecture on “Houses Surviving Cyclones”.
Organiser Vivian Doherty, from JCU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, said 490 students from local high schools including Ayr State High School and Charter Towers State High School will be attending the events during the week.
Ms Doherty said on Wednesday, “science and rock” band Ologism would perform original rock music and science demonstrations live on stage.
On Thursday evening, Dr David Henderson will present a talk on ‘Cyclones and your house’.
“Dr Henderson will explain the wind forces acting on a house during a severe event, the parts of the house that resist these loads, and discuss lessons learnt when they don’t,” ‘she said.
Ms Doherty said the maths comedian show would be held on Friday (August 17).
“Comedian Simon Pampena will perform two different shows this weekend; on Friday he will perform for high school students in a show called the Maths Olympics, which will be an hour of music, comedy, dance, audience interaction and maths.”
On Sunday afternoon his show is called The Fame Algorithm, What’s maths been good for? Physics? Chemistry? Economics? BORING!!
Ms Doherty said Mr Pampena said the show would be a “guide on math’s modern adventure to the dark side”.
“A total of 230 students will be here on Friday. A program has been set up in the morning, including science activities and tours of the university, with the comedy show in the afternoon.
Ms Doherty said there would also be a public performance show on Sunday at JCU and it would be different to the show on the Friday.
National Science Week events are being held throughout Australia, with various activities planned, from science festivals, music and comedy shows, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities.
WEDNESDAY
Science and rock band Ologism - original rock music and science demonstrations conducted live on stage.
Wednesday 15 August - The Club (JCU) 6:30 – 8:00pm
THURSDAY
“Cyclones and your house” presented by Dr David Henderson
Thursday 16th August, 6-7pm - Sir George Kneipp Auditorium
FRIDAY
Math Comedian Simon Pampena
492 high school students attending (invitation only)
SUNDAY
Math Comedian Simon Pampena
The Fame Algorithm, What’s maths been good for?
The festival is supported by the Australian Government, as well as the CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC.
Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au
For more information, or interviews, contact: Vivian Doherty on (07) 4781 6807 or 0407 288 592
JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175