Sydney Science Trail Secondary Program

Sydney Science Trail excursions are back this August. Explore the program and book your secondary school class excursion for National Science Week.

Secondary students working at a table together
Location

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Australian Museum

Date

12 – 14 August 2024

Time

9:30am – 2:30pm

Stage

Stage 4, 5 and 6

Cost

$20 per student (incl. gst).

Minimum charge of 20 students per booked group applies.

Teachers attend free of charge.

Science to inspire

The Sydney Science Trail is back this August!

Ignite your students’ curiosity at our secondary school science education days. With topical panel talks, challenging hands-on workshops and interactive exhibitions, our secondary program is sure to truly engage students in STEM and leave them wanting to learn more.

​Don't miss out on this celebration of science! Explore the full excursion program and book your spot now.

People observing a dinosaur on display at the Australian Museum
School children listening to a panel discussion at The Calyx

Program overview

Sessions

Entry includes four different sessions across the day:

  • Saving Species Talk at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (choose one from two options per day)
  • Science Expo at the Australian Museum
  • Interactive STEM Workshop (choose one from four options) at either the Australian Museum or the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
  • Self-guided experience at either the Australian Museum or the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

 

Structure

Class groups rotate through four 60-minute sessions across two historic venues – two sessions at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and two sessions at the Australian Museum.

  • Morning sessions: 9:30am – 10:30am and 10:30am – 11:30am
  • Lunch and change venues: 11:30am – 12:30pm
  • Afternoon sessions: 12:30pm – 1:30pm and 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Saving Species Talks

These panel discussions align with the 2024 National Science Week theme Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability. Featuring scientists from the Australian Museum Research Institute, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney and University of New England, your students will learn about how scientists work toward saving species from different perspectives. Schools can choose one talk from two daily options.

Living things big and small are essential for the survival of species and the health of ecosystems. This talk will look into what part microscopic organisms play in ecosystems and how they are affecting species survival.

When: Monday 12 August

Where: Gadi Rooms, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 120 students per session

As climate change starts to impact organisms, we need to look at how adaption and regeneration can ensure species survival. Hear from scientists working on climate change adaption and regeneration projects. Presented by the Climate Solutions Centre, Australian Museum.

When: Monday 12 August

Where: Gadi Rooms, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 120 students per session

Our oceans produce at least 50% of the planet's oxygen and are home to most of Earth's biodiversity. Hear from Sydney-based scientists about the research that is being conducted to ensure the survival of marine species in Australia and across the world.

When: Tuesday 13 August

Where: Gadi Rooms, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 120 students per session

Vital terrestrial ecosystems across the world are becoming endangered. To ensure species survival in Australia and across the world, scientists are working to better understand the essential requirements of animals and their habitat.

When: Tuesday 13 August

Where: Gadi Rooms, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 120 students per session

How can you become involved in species survival? Learn about citizen science projects, how scientists use data collection and the vital role of the public in gathering information that will help identify new species and save threatened species across the world.

When: Wednesday 14 August

Where: Gadi Rooms, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 120 students per session

Researchers around the world are working to conserve species in and out of their natural environments. Scientists share how their work is aiding to future-proof and preserve species.

When: Wednesday 14 August

Where: Gadi Rooms, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 120 students per session

aus museum close up

Science Expo at the Australian Museum

Have your students’ burning questions answered by experts from over 20 research organisations and universities including the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New England. Wander through our Science Expo stalls and chat citizen science, frogs, fossils, medical research and more – even ask our scientists about their career paths. Ignite your students’ love for science by giving them the rare opportunity to touch base with real-life scientists, undertake experiments and get hands-on with cutting-edge innovations.

Where: First Nations Gallery (Level Upper Ground), Australian Museum

Capacity: 120 students per session

Interactive STEM Workshops

Explore the Cadi Jam Ora Garden and learn about cultural practices and knowledge that have protected species for generations. 
In this guided walk, led by a First Nations educator, students will tour the garden to explore different natural resources used by Aboriginal people of the Sydney region.

Where: Cadi Jam Ora Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 30 students per session

Investigate current botanical research to learn about the Native orchids. Try techniques used by botanists to study and conserve species as well as investigating how these important species are indicator to the health of our ecosystems.

Where: Cryptogam House, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Capacity: 30 students per session

In this hands-on workshop, students will explore how genetic information is transferred in DNA and watch how it can be extracted for genetic analysis. Students will also learn about the important research conducted in the Australian Museum Research Institute and will complete their own investigation to determine how DNA can be used to compare and identify species.

Where: Patricia McDonald Education Room 1 (Level Lower Ground), Australian Museum

Capacity: 30 students per session

Be a forensic investigator and use scientific applications to solve crimes. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to dust and collect fingerprints, analyse blood spatter, test for drugs and collect evidence, with the aim of building a solid case for the court of law.

This interactive workshop is facilitated by the University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science.

Where: Patricia McDonald Education Room 2 (Level Lower Ground), Australian Museum

Capacity: 30 students per session

self guided close up

Self-guided experience

Guide your students through either a gallery at the Australian Museum or try your hand at nature journaling at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to discover nature up close.

Teachers will be allocated an explore session at only one venue, depending on which group rotation they are placed in. Optional teacher resources will be available to assist your students, including nature journaling activities in the Garden and engaging ways to interact with one of four nature exhibits at the Australian Museum, including the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.

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