CMRI engaged over 700 primary school kids and 1900 families in just a few days during Science Week! Our researchers left the lab to inspire the public with fun science facts and activities like our popular comic spreads.

"Kids need simple analogies, and one favourite was Lego," said organiser, Dr Lorel Colgin. "Everyone has built something out of Lego, so we explain that our cells are like tiny building blocks that come in different shapes and sizes depending on what they need to build: muscles, heart, liver ... It takes trillions of cells to build your body and so the instructions are complex too. Unlike Lego, which has a separate instruction book, our cells carry their instructions inside them—it's called DNA.

"Many kids have heard of DNA but don't entirely understand it. Once they realise how it works, they are even more awed. Other kids loved looking at cells under the microscope and even learning that other living things like strawberries have DNA too."

We are grateful to the scientists who volunteered their time to inspire the next generation: Bella Pallister, Vicki Willett, Melanie Walter, Connie Partalis, Vivienne Kaiser, Reeva Nadkar and Lakshmy Viswanath. 'Thank you' also to the Australian Museum for having us again this year for their Sydney Science Trail Expo.

If you missed the event, you can still explore all the resources here as well as explore our new STEM website for kids.

Every year, the Australian Museum celebrates National Science Week with a jam-packed program of school excursions for primary and secondary students and family-friendly community days. It’s an opportunity for curious kids of all ages and schools to think, talk and experience science.

Th 2024 National Science Week theme was Species Survival – More than just sustainability, featuring spectacular stage shows, practical workshops, interactive exhibitions and the opportunity to engage directly with leading researchers and experts.