Scitech Just Launched An Epic New Multisensory Exhibition

As 2020 barrels along in all of its unprecedented unknowns, one thing is for sure – it’s doing so very quickly.

Which means a) the Term 3 school holidays are rapidly approaching and b) it’s time to start finding things for the kids to do.

We’re very fortunate in Western Australia that COVID-19 restrictions are some of the most relaxed in the country, and while the Royal Show has unfortunately been cancelled, there’s still plenty to do.

And one of the hottest tickets in town is going to be a visit to Scitech’s brand new exhibition, Earth Matters: Rethink The Future.

In typical Scitech fashion, they’re not messing about, collaborating with more than 850 West Australian scientists, innovators, students, parents, teachers and artists to create a multi-sensory exhibition never before seen in WA.

Essentially, Scitech consulted with the above people and you – the customer – to figure out what kind of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) topics we should be exploring.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the uncertain times we live in, the strongest theme to come out of the collaborative process was a desire to understand how STEM skills can be implemented to find creative solutions for future global problems.

The end result is Earth Matters: Rethink The Future, linking that theme to the myriad global challenges we face every day, and innovative thinking that will help us tackle them.

So what does the exhibition experience actually entail?

The centrepiece is the “Banksia Woodland”, an immersive, interactive projection co-created by local artist Sohan Ariel Hayes that cycles through the six Noongar seasons, bridging the principles of Indigenous ecology and artistic vision.

Alternatively visitors can go under the sea with an interactive 3D-projected map of a coral reef, one whose ecosystem fluctuates in response to a variety of our everyday decisions.

There’s a strong focus on renewable energies too, including the opportunity to use pedal power as a means of exploring renewable generation, storage and transfer across a 3D Microgrid illuminated by LED animations.

Other highlights include:

• A series of trees showing how they live, grow, breath and act as lungs for our Earth;
• A mechanical pump demonstrating how much water is used to make regular consumable products such as the humble chocolate bar;
• A Re-imagination Zone, cultivating critical thinking in the search for STEM-based solutions;
• Inspiring stories from WA innovators doing their part in creating solutions for global problems, like the founder of the Climate Clever App;
• The Scitech Planetarium will be screening Habitat Earth – a documentary exploring various relationships within life on Earth and our place amongst them;
• The Chevron Science Theatre’s new show, Lightbulb Moments, explores how creative problem solving can tackle energy and waste challenges.

Kalien Selby, Scitech Chief Executive Officer, had this to say on the launch of the experience: “With our newest exhibition, Scitech has stepped firmly into its role to support the social well-being and economic prosperity of this state through innovative and impactful STEM engagement.

“Everyone is invited to experience the unique opportunity of Earth Matters and rethink the future together.”

The Earth Matters exhibition and related activities are now open, operating 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-4pm Saturday, Sunday & during school holidays.

Head to the Earth Matters website to book now, with discounts for groups and free entry for children under 4 years. Online bookings are essential due to COVID-19 restrictions and your ticket entry includes entry into all galleries and shows.