Spin like an ice-skater without ice, compare your reflexes to a Formula 1 driver and see your fingertips under the microscope. The Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre will soon be overflowing with exciting hands-on science exhibits when the Shell Questacon Science Circus comes to town.

On Thursday 23 October from 5 pm – 8 pm, visitors of all ages can also enjoy spectacular shows with Science Circus presenters holding fire in their hands, lying on a bed of nails and revealing the intriguing science behind magic tricks.

“There’s heaps for people to try themselves, like the amazing experiments at our lab bench. You can create a cloud inside a bottle, play with a liquid magnet, and lots more,” said Science Circus presenter Karina Judd.

“We have over 40 exhibits, so there’s something for everyone to discover. My favourite is the glow-in-the-dark wall that lets you step away from your shadow like Peter Pan.”

The team is visiting primary and high schools in the Benalla region this week, presenting science shows for students and running professional development workshops for teachers.

“We’re really excited to see all of the students we’ve visited at schools joining the rest of the community at the public exhibition to enjoy more hands-on science. Experiencing the Science Circus is a great way for people to satisfy their curiosity about science and the world around us,” said Karina.

The Science Circus is made up of 12 young scientists who have taken a year away from research to share their love of science with communities across Australia. The Science Circus aims to spark an interest in science in the next generation of curious Australian minds.

“The range of scientists in the Science Circus shows that stereotypes of scientists aren’t always true. We have people in the team who have researched diverse areas from marine animals to astronomy, from robotic guitars to tsunamis,” said Karina.

The 12 presenters are currently studying a Master of Science Communication Outreach at The Australian National University. They spend three months of the year travelling across Australia with the Shell Questacon Science Circus to engage people with science and technology.

The Shell Questacon Science Circus is a proud initiative of Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Shell and The Australian National University. The programme has been travelling Australia for 29 years, inspiring over 2.2 million people across the nation with interactive science demonstrations.

Shell Questacon Science Circus Public Exhibition

Thursday 23 October, 5 pm – 8 pm

Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre

Ackerly Ave, Benalla