Wild Science At Centre

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday May 2, 2001

The Science Centre and Planetarium's major travelling exhibition for 2001, BHP WildScience, will open on May 16.

The extensive new exhibition, which explores how nature has inspired human ideas and technology, will take over the entire top floor of the Fairy Meadow centre.

It includes more than 30 stimulating interactive displays and a further 50 information panels.

WildScience will reveal answers to those questions you've always wondered about such as why birds don't fall off their perches when they are asleep and why bee stings are tricky to pull out. And many questions you may never have thought about, such as how prairie dogs keep their burrows cool and ventilated.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the Bionic Beast, a large mechanical creature which moves in a lifelike way with the aid of manufactured joints and hinges.

From several operating stations, visitors can move the beast's joints and examine the nature of the movement.

The Science Centre, which will host the exhibition until mid-September, is the last Australian stop for the exhibition before it goes overseas.

Fishing kits for kids

A fishing education kit designed to teach children to fish responsibly and sustainably has been launched by the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Warren Truss.

The education kit titled Get Hooked ... It's Fun to Fish, is centred around a junior code of fishing practice developed for primary school children.

``I am pleased to be involved in the launch of this program which uses local fishing knowledge and expertise to educate kids early in life that environmentally responsible fishing is fun," Mr Truss said.

``Fishing is a great Australian pastime but we must be vigilant about its impact on our marine resources.

``It is hoped that this program will help raise awareness of aquatic life and encourage safe and responsible fishing behaviour among our next generation of anglers."

The education kit includes six modules covering not only fishing skills but also basic ecological and environmental issues.

The key messages in the program are: Take only what you need; Fish with friends; You're the solution to water pollution; Throw the little ones back; Don't leave your tackle behind; and Quality catchments equal quality fish.

The education kit will soon be delivered by teachers, fisheries officers and fishcare volunteers in schools and local communities.

Teen magazine for parents

The Department of Community Services has launched a new magazine across NSW which is full of practical information for parents and teenagers.

Parenting - The Teenage Years was developed by DOCS in consultation with a broad range of experts in adolescent health and parenting including NSW Health, Roads and Traffic Authority and Kids Helpline.

DOCS director general Carmel Niland said there was a clear need for such information with 50 per cent of calls to Parentline, a telephone helpline, from parents of teenagers.

Kids Helpline also reports that the majority of calls they receive from young people are about relationships with family, friends and partners.

The magazine will include a variety of useful, practical information on topics such as self-esteem, exam stress, eating disorders and bullying.

Ms Niland said the magazines were now available through local DOCS offices or on the web site at www.community.nsw.gov.au.