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Issue 15: National Science Week 2026

National Science Week starts this weekend (15-23 August). Explore a range of activities, must-reads, a fun competition and more during one of our favourite weeks of the year. Whether you're an educator, parent, community volunteer or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enthusiast, it's the perfect time to spark curiosity, build new skills and help young people get hands-on with STEM.

Register for CSIRO Robot Responders

Help young people discover what it's like to be a robotics engineer with CSIRO Robot Responders. Explore an interactive online game, unplugged card game and curriculum-aligned learning resources, all inspired by CSIRO science. With missions in caves and lava tubes, marine environments and space, students can use STEM thinking to tackle hands-on challenges and discover how robots help scientists solve real-world problems. Don't forget to register your involvement and tell us how you'll be taking part during National Science Week.
competition

Design a rescue robot for the chance to win a 3D printer

Young people can submit their most creative robot designs for a chance to win great prizes. Whether it's a drawing, diagram or prototype, we're looking for innovative ideas that show how robots can solve real-world challenges. Two first-prize winners will each receive a 3D printer valued at $600, while ten runners-up will take home education vouchers worth $500. T&Cs apply.

Read more

Cosmos in the Outback QLD Tour

Join the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, University of Southern Queensland and CSIRO for a free family event packed with hands-on space activities. Visit the Mobile Mission Operations Centre to explore STEM careers, discover the solar system and try docking a capsule with the International Space Station. The tour will visit Toowoomba, Winton, Boulia, Longreach and Charleville, with free activities for all ages.

Live sessions from the Great Barrier Reef

Join researchers aboard CSIRO's research vessel (RV) Investigator as they map and sample the seafloor of the southern Great Barrier Reef, uncovering the ecological, geological and cultural stories hidden beneath the ocean. Hear expedition highlights, learn what it's like to live and work on a research vessel, and ask questions of the science team during these free sessions for primary schools, secondary schools and educators.

national storytime

Enjoy a special reading of 'Bear to the rescue' 

When deadly bushfires sweep through the forest, Bear the conservation detection dog and his team must act fast. Will Bear be able to find and help save the wild koalas? Join authors Romane Cristescu and Nic Gill for a special reading of this heartwarming true story. Recommended for ages 5–9. Teacher notes will accompany the recording to help extend learning during National Science Week.

Register

Explore fresh insights, inspiration and resources 

#WithSTEMyoucan

Maths confidence matters

Did you know that confidence in maths is one of the strongest influences on young women's long-term engagement in STEM? Joining the Human Technology Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), we collaborated on a BHP Funded project that found maths confidence can shape everything from subject choices and career aspirations to future employment in STEM. Discover why building confidence matters and how parents, educators and communities can help support young people to explore STEM pathways.

Read more

Connect Indigenous Knowledges to the classroom

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples hold knowledge systems developed over more than 65,000 years on Country, grounded in observation, stewardship and adaptation across diverse and often extreme landscapes. This National Science Week, discover CSIRO's Indigenous STEM Education Resources. Developed with Indigenous education and STEM experts, these free, high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources for students in Years 3-10 help educators confidently embed Indigenous contexts and Knowledges within STEM learning.

Explore investigation-based activities, lesson plans and teacher guides covering:

  • Cultural Burning
  • Fire-starting
  • Traditional Cooking Methods
  • Traditional Separation Techniques.

These ready-to-use resources are designed to strengthen teacher capability and provide sustained support for the effective integration of culturally relevant STEM content. You can also visit our Indigenous Education and Outreach page for more resources and information.

Journey through a century of life-changing science

Explore the CSIRO centenary timeline

From helping establish Australia's national science capability in the 1920s to pioneering breakthroughs in radio astronomy, computing, WiFi, polymer banknotes and robotics, CSIRO has spent a century tackling challenges that matter to Australia. Explore a timeline of the discoveries, people and innovations that have shaped our national science agency.

Celebrate CSIRO's centenary with BTN

Watch a recent episode of ABC's Behind the News (BTN) to learn more about the CSIRO discoveries and innovations that have helped shape Australia, alongside the science helping build our future. As CSIRO celebrates its centenary, it's a great way to introduce young people to a century of life-changing science and the ideas behind it.

NEW podcast

'It Starts With...'

Discover the stories behind the science with CSIRO's free weekly podcast. From artificial intelligence and robotics to fossils and the environment, host David Bolderman chats with science communicators and researchers whose curiosity and courage are changing how we see the world around us.

Listen here

Find more National Science Week events near you!

For even more National Science Week fun, discover virtual tours, webcasts, DIY experiments, citizen science projects and other activities taking place online and in your community.