This August, Newcastle Museum is once again the home of Science Week Newcastle! From world-class speakers to hands-on coding workshops and a huge family science festival, it’s a week of discovery, excitement and inspiration for kids and curious minds of all ages.
Adam Spencer Live at City Hall
Date: Friday 15 August 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Cost: $30 standard / $22 under 17s
Ages: Recommended for ages 10+
Bookings essential
Celebrate National Science Week with Australia’s funniest geek, Adam Spencer! In this smart, hilarious and thought-provoking live event, Adam dives into the world of ChatGPT and large language models, explaining what they are, how they’re changing everything from education to medicine, and how your family can start using these tools today.
Kids aged 10+ are especially encouraged to come. After all, this is the technology they’ll grow up with!
Build the Future Workshops at Newcastle Museum
Three exciting hands-on workshops for curious kids and teens! Build coding skills, explore robotics, and dive into sustainable design through guided STEM activities:
Coding Robots: Kubo Workshop
Date: Saturday 16 August 2025
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Cost: $30 per workshop
Ages: 7–10
Bookings essential
Kids can code a robot using puzzle-based KUBO tiles. Curriculum-aligned for Foundation to Year 4.
Coding Robots: Fable Soccer
Date: Saturday 16 August 2025
Time: 11:45am – 1:15pm or 1:45 – 3:15pm
Cost: $30 per workshop
Ages: 8 -13
Bookings essential
Kids can program a robot soccer team for the Newcastle Jets and learnprogramming, teamwork and tech fundamentals.
Designing the Built Environment: Arckit Workshop
Date: Saturday 16 August 2025
Time: 3:30pm – 5pm
Cost: $30 per workshop
Ages: 13+
Bookings essential
Teens will use Arckit model kits to design a sustainable city and apply design thinking and architecture skills. The hands-on sessions help students understand the importance of sustainability within our communities and gives them an opportunity to explore 21st century skills in a fun way.
Hunter Science Festival
Date: Sunday 17 August 2025
Time: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages welcome
More info
Newcastle’s biggest celebration of science is back and bigger than ever! With more than 20+ partners and exhibitors, there’s something for everyone – from robot races to garbage trucks, science shows to shark tanks, and even free plants.
Highlights include:
- The HMRI Poo Palace
- Solar car and boat building
- Climb aboard a real garbage truck
- Fizzics Education Big Science Big Fun! show
- Free plant giveaway
- STEM challenges, meet-a-scientist talks, LEGO®, science books and more!
- BBQ and science-themed sweet treats
Presented by Newcastle Museum with partners Hunter Innovation and Science Hub and Hunter Medical Research Institute.