Calling all fans of science, old, and particularly young, to join in the fun of Griffith University’s Street Science (24 -25 March) at World Science Festival Brisbane.
Science lovers will get a sneak peak of the Sea Jellies Illuminated exhibition that is set to open at Sea World later this year, in a unique partnership with Griffith University that integrates ongoing research into these age-old creatures of the sea.
Sea Jellies Illuminated will feature an array of sea jelly displays and educational elements to take Sea Worldguests on an illuminating journey as they delve into the fascinating underwater world of these aquatic animals.
Sea Jellies Illuminated – Artist’s Impression
Griffith marine researcher Associate Professor Kylie Pitt said that Street Science would offer the chance to see jelly polyps under the microscope, as well as animations to bring sea jellies to life.
“Jellies are one of the oldest life forms on the planet and people usually only see them as a dangerous or nuisance species,” Associate Professor Pitt said.
“But jellies are an important natural component of our coastal system; for example we wouldn’t have giant leatherback turtles without jelly fish as they are the turtles only food.
Jellies have also played an important role in medical research, including the discovery of the cause of anaphylaxis, and when they sting it is simply because they’ve bumped into you — it’s totally accidental.”
Street Science will also feature Griffith Science on the Go with their always-popular Milky Bubbles hands-on activity, while audiences will watched transfixed as levitating superconductors defy gravity.
Griffith’s racing team will be there with their race car simulator, and there’ll be displays and fun experiments to inspire a love of STEM.
Leaving the bustle of the Southbank precinct behind, free River Listening boat tours are on offer to explore the fascinating world of underwater eco-acoustics.
Led by Griffith scientists, Dr Simon Linke and Dr Leah Barclay, the tour of the Brisbane river will introduce the mechanisms that fish and insects use to communicate underwater and offer the chance to listen toLone Pine’s resident population of grunting catfish. This is a free event, however participants are required to purchase a ticket for transport on the Miramar. The tour starts at9:30amat the Cultural Centre Pontoon South Bankon Friday (23/3)andSunday (25/3).
And on 22 March, to celebrate World Water Day concert goers canexplore the soundscapes of aquatic ecosystems ranging from the sonic complexity of the Great Barrier Reef to melting glaciers in Antarctica.The concert features internationally renowned and emerging composers who have pioneered the use of hydrophones (underwater microphones) in aquatic ecology and music composition.
Underwater Eco-acoustics
