Super celebration of Science

Monday, 19 April 1999

DINOSAURS, frogs, cats, koalas, mosquitoes ­ and even chemistry explosions! ­ will take centre stage at the University of Adelaide as part of National Science Week (May 1-9, 1999).

National Science Week is Australia's only nation-wide celebration of science which involves people of all ages, backgrounds and interests.

Adelaide Uni's Faculty of Science is running a series of dynamic and informative presentations which are FREE OF CHARGE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Organisers Sarah Farrelly and Chris Daniels say the aim of the week is to increase awareness of the importance of science and technology to our economic and social well-being.

"This is a great chance for Adelaide University's Faculty of Science to showcase the breadth and depth of its research, and demonstrate its relevance to the wider world," Miss Farrelly says.

"National Science Week also gives the public the opportunity to be entertained in a unique way by scientists, and learn more about the world in which we live."

Three presentations being held at the University of Adelaide are essential for anyone interested in National Science Week.

They are:

• When Friends Become Pests ­ Cats, Koalas, Frogs and Mosquitoes
• The Lou and Dennis Explosive Chemistry Show
• Hollywood Dinosaurs ­ Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

[for complete program details, see below]

Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Sarah Farrelly: (08) 8303 4003.

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK at the UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

When Friends Become Pests ­ Cats, Koalas, Frogs and Mosquitoes
7.30pm, Monday, May 3, Rennie Lecture Theatre, University of Adelaide

Presented by three of Adelaide's best-known scientists, Associate Professor Mike Tyler and Dr David Paton (University of Adelaide), and Dr Mike Kokkinn (University of South Australia), this promises to be an entertaining and thought-provoking symposium on the social and environmental issues associated with cats, koalas, frogs and mosquitoes.

The Lou and Dennis Explosive Chemistry Show
7.30pm, Wednesday, May 5, Union Hall, University of Adelaide

Presented by University of Adelaide chemists Dr Lou Rendina and Dr Dennis Taylor, this show received rave reviews when it was first performed two years ago ­ mainly due to the unexpected appearance of the SA Metropolitan Fire Service mid-way through the performance!

Dr Rendina and Dr Taylor risk their lives demonstrating some of the more exciting and fun aspects of chemistry, such as the explosive reaction of nitrous oxide and carbon disulphide, the burning of magnesium and the oxidation of white phosphorous. The show promises a light and sound extravaganza like no other.

Hollywood Dinosaurs ­ Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
7.30pm, Friday, May 7, Union Hall, University of Adelaide

Presented by Dr Chris Daniels and Professor Rob Saint (University of Adelaide) and Ben McHenry (South Australian Museum), and conceived and developed by Mr Gerald Buttfield (University of Adelaide), this highly engaging presentation was nominated for the Eureka Prize for 1999.

A geneticist, a palaeontologist and a comparative physiologist use the Hollywood portrayal of dinosaurs to highlight hot issues in the debate about the life and times of these mysterious creatures.

With video clips from various dinosaur movies, sound and computer animations, working models, and audience participation, this is a lively, interesting and humorous presentation of the science behind the discovery of how dinosaurs lived.

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