Questacon’s long-running national programme, the Shell Questacon Science Circus has been ranked among the world’s best educational innovations.
The Science Circus was named a Top 20 finalist in the global Telefonica Fundación Education Challenge, which highlights the world’s top 100 projects to promote scientific and technological careers.
“We are delighted to see the Science Circus included in the top 20,” said Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant.
“The Science Circus is held in high regard as a model for science outreach, and this accolade is further evidence that this programme is a globally innovative way to engage young people in areas where access to science centres may be limited.”
Established in 1985, the Science Circus is a partnership between Shell, ANU and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.
In 2015, the programme celebrates its 30th year of touring to regional and rural areas of Australia, presenting lively and engaging science shows in schools and hosting public exhibitions of 40 interactive science exhibits for the entire community.
Over the past 29 years, Science Circus presenters have made over 8500 school visits, provided professional development workshops for 5000 teachers, and visited 90 Indigenous communities and 490 towns in regional and remote Australia.
The Shell Questacon Science Circus has been experienced by more than 2.2 million Australians including schoolchildren, teachers, and families, and provided more than 350 science graduates with skills and career pathways in science communication.
