Weather stations, welding workshops, and more: CDU joins National Science Week

Have you ever wondered how weather stations work? Or what makes sparks fly in the world of welding? These are among the many questions Charles Darwin University (CDU) academics and sponsors will answer during National Science Week.

From August 9-17, STEM-based organisations and educational institutions across the country will band together to promote the exciting world of science and technology.

In a CDU-first, Lecturer in ICT, Security, and Digital Angus Benson will lead an after-school workshop focused on electronics and programming at the City of Palmerston Library on August 12. 

Mr Benson said about 20 kids aged eight to 15 would finish building their very own weather stations by the end of the two-hour program, having learned a few basic skills to transform an array of components and housings into a working product they can take home. 

“The library already has an existing group of kids interested in gadgets and games, so I’m hoping this workshop will be an opportunity for them to explore the applications of their interests,” Mr Benson said.

“It’s also about broadening the perception of IT. It is more than just tech support, and turning things off and on again – anything that involves technology is going to touch into an aspect of IT.

“A sound understanding of IT can take you a lot of places – business, commerce, engineering, and even agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental science can be enhanced by the effective use of digital technology.”

CDU’s Radicle Centre is also sponsoring a number of events throughout the week, including a simulated welding workshop for women and girls co-sponsored with Weld Australia.

Mechanical engineer and Managing Director of Everett Consulting NT, Rana Everett, is hosting the workshop alongside Weld Australia on August 20, and said it was an exciting opportunity for participants to test the waters of the welding world in an interactive and supportive environment.

“This hands-on workshop is a unique opportunity to try out the cutting-edge Weld Australia welding simulator, which allows users to safely experience the precision and skill behind modern welding,” she said.

“Attendees will also get to speak directly with experienced welding professionals and industry experts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and stories.

“What makes this event truly special is the focus on representation and access – welding, and trades more broadly, have long been under-represented by women, but that’s changing.”

Mrs Everett said she hoped the workshop and others hosted during National Science Week would engage women and girls in STEM fields, make strides towards filling workforce gaps, and reshaping industry to be more inclusive.

More information about CDU’s hosted and sponsored STEM events can be found on the National Science Week site.