A cracking weekend of fun and education for the whole family is coming to the Capricorn Caves, as the Big Science Adventure kicks off on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August, as part of National Science Week 2022.

National Science Week is a national celebration of science and technology, and with this year’s theme ‘Glass: More than meets the eye’, the Capricorn Caves have collaborated with local organisations to deliver a jam-packed two days of both free and paid scientific discovery.

Glass plays a huge part in all our lives. Tying into the UN’s International Year of Glass, this year’s National Science Week will put different types of glass under the metaphorical microscope, inspecting them in closer detail. That will include optical fibre, laboratory glassware, as well as phone screens.

Kicking off on Saturday at 5pm, we invite you to embark on a special tour through the enchanting Cathedral Cave and try your luck at spotting the cute little bent-wing bats on their night flight, before joining astronomer Dr John McGrath on a telescopic journey through the spectacular starry sky with his astronomy tour. Grab a burger for dinner before settling the kids in for a fun science-themed movie.

From 9am Sunday, the Capricorn Caves is set to transform into a learning ground of observation and experimentation, with workshops and interactive activities scheduled covering many facets of science.

Join our local paleontology experts in digging through ancient fossil deposits and unearth Megafauna era fossils. This fossil deposit has contributed to assisting Queensland Museum in their research of Australia’s flora and fauna with the discovery of over 160 unique species, some new to science!

Meet Malachi from Rocky Instincts as he walks you through the ancient craft of making and using a cutting tool with natural glass (Black Obsidian) as well as a friction fire making workshop.

John Augusteyn from the Capricorn Caves is looking forward to hosting this event and encourages the community to get involved in the celebrations.

“Our past open days have attracted more than 3000 guests, and we anticipate this year to be bigger and better again,” John said.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with local organisations such as CQ University, Fitzroy Basin Association, Shell World, Queensland Museum, Rocky Instincts and The Caves Rural Fire Brigade, as well as talented local artists, to deliver a large-scale event with a variety of activities and displays.

“Aside from the workshops and science focused endeavors planned for the weekend, guests can also harness up to try out the climbing wall or join one of the many cave tours running.”

For more information, visit www.capricorncaves.com.au.

To find out more about National Science Week 2022, visit https://www.scienceweek.net.au/.