Is the Internet infinite? How much does it weigh? What is the science of a selfie? All this and more was discovered on 22 March at Conservatorium Theatre, on the opening night of the World Science Festival.
ANSTO is the custodian of some of the country’s most significant science infrastructure, and is bringing an esteemed panel of expert scientists to open the Brisbane event.
The audience had the chance to dissect the fact and fiction behind internet shopping, viral videos, and much more as we counted down the top 10 reasons people use the internet.
An interactive 90 minute show, ANSTO’s Fact or Fiction has been touring the country, and this 2.0 edition is a fun way to look at science in our everyday lives.
All you need is a smart device to be part of the action, answering questions and voting live to see how much you really know about the World Wide Web.
One of the show’s expert panellists, ABC Science’s “Surfing Scientist”, Ruben Meerman said talking about the weird and wonderful uses of the internet was a great way of making science more accessible.
“The internet is everywhere – we even have the ‘internet of things’ and what Fact or Fiction does is bring science closer to home with examples like internet shopping that demonstrate science isn’t just in a test tube,” Ruben said.
“It’s going to be a really fascinating and fun night so I’m thrilled to be part of it all.”
Discovery Centre Leader, Rod Dowler was the nights’ host and said ANSTO was excited to be part of the World Science Festival, and to be bringing Fact or Fiction to this stage.
“A great chunk of our society spends a lot of their time online – whether it’s for work, to watch a show, to stay in touch with friends and family, it’s an enormous part of 21st Century life,” said Mr Dowler.
“Fact or Fiction is for adults, kids and anyone in between – it doesn’t matter if you are a science whiz or you’re simply curious, it’s a chance to learn something new.
“Combining pop-culture with hard science fact, there’ll be more than one answer revealed that will no doubt surprise the audience.
“The World Science Festival is about taking conversations regarding science, technology, engineering and mathematics out of labs and research facilities and onto the streets,” Mr Dowler said.
“That is precisely why ANSTO conceived Fact or Fiction, to help people to be more aware of the science that is part of our everyday life.
“At the 2017 World Science Festival Fact or Fiction 2.0 Web of Intrigue is a great way to get the entire family involved – we will be busting myths on the big stage, and giving everyone some ‘fun facts’ to take home with them.”
Fact or Fiction 2.0 appeals to all audiences as a highly entertaining and educational show, reaching beyond those interested in science by providing a big dose of pop-culture.
The event was held at Griffith University’s Conservatorium Theatre on Wednesday, 22 March.
Media contact: Isabelle Colla 0432 970 548; Phil McCall 0438 619 987
Published: 22/03/2017