Sydney Science Trail community day

Morning session (10 am – 12.30 pm) 

10am – Welcome to Country 

10.30am – Liquid Nitrogen show with Fizzics 

Witness super ‘cool’ liquid nitrogen demonstrations as things get squashed, frozen, smashed and even exploded using the always exciting expanding and super cooling properties of liquid nitrogen. This science stage show explores expansion and contraction, basic cell theory, air pressure and more. 

11.30am – Live Q&A with Dr Karl 

Join Dr Karl from University of Sydney and the ABC as he answers your questions live on stage. Explore the mysteries of the world and bring your hairiest science questions! 

Afternoon session (12.30 pm – 3 pm) 

12.30pm – Australian Animal Show 

Australian Wildlife Displays will present an interactive wildlife show where the audience will meet animals such as Blossom the possum, Bubblegum the Bluetongue Lizard and Snappy the Crocodile, while learning about how they can help the environment. 

1.30pm – Tree Tales Show 

Eaton Gorge Theatre Company uses theatre to raise awareness about environmental issues. Join two terrific trees as they take you through a journey about life, gardens and sustainability. 

2.15pm – Liquid Nitrogen show with Fizzics 

Witness super ‘cool’ liquid nitrogen demonstrations as things get squashed, frozen, smashed and even exploded using the always exciting expanding and super cooling properties of liquid nitrogen. This science stage show explores expansion and contraction, basic cell theory, air pressure and more. 

Accessibility

An Auslan interpreter will be on stage to interpret the shows.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney 

• Stalls featuring the Botanic Gardens' education team, horticulturists and scientists. Learn about the science behind plants, botanical careers and the vital role of botanic gardens in environmental conservation and education. 

Face painting (free)

Australian Wildlife Displays 

• Get up close with Australian native animals. Meet Blossom the possum, Bubblegum the Bluetongue Lizard and Snappy the Crocodile, just to name a few. 

Australian Environmental Education 

• Hands on activities and displays about nature and animals. 

Fizzics Education 

• Kids and adults can learn about the science of toys.

Children’s Discovery 

• Kids can have fun with play-based science encounters. 

CSIRO 

• Meet a CSIRO scientist for an interactive experiment and learn about STEM careers. 

Campbelltown City Council

• Learn about koalas and habitat conservation for our furry friends. You’ll also be able to see an electric vehicle up close and ask an expert questions about how they benefit you and the environment.

Camden Council 

• Learn about water conservation including water saving in the home and animal adaptations to surviving in the harsh Australian environment. 

Foundation and Friends plant sales 

• Shop for native and exotic plants, including rare and hard-to-find species. Many of the plants have been propagated from the Botanic Gardens’ living collections.

Roaming performers from Eaton Gorge Theatre Company

And more on the day!

Join our passionate and knowledgeable plant scientists, horticulturalists, botanical illustrators and educators as they take you behind the scenes to share their work, the treasures of the Garden's collection or their in-depth cultural knowledge.  

Register at the information desk:

• Behind the Scenes Nursery Tour: 10:45am, 12:45pm
• Australian PlantBank Tour: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
• First Nations Bush Tucker Walk: 10:30am, 1:30pm
• iNaturalist Walk: 11:30am, 12:30pm

• Download the program (PDF, 1.23 Mb)
• Download the social story (PDF, 5.8 Mb)