Did you know the ocean is home to a huge population of creatures that can’t be shown in a display case but are very important to life? We might not think about these tiny, living organisms when we are swimming or out on a boat, but they are critically important to all life on Earth, not just those living underwater.
These tiny organisms which can be found in plankton and slimy algae are so small that they can only be seen under a microscope! And you will be surprised by their amazing colours and shapes!
For National Science Week, our friendly Learning and Engagement team has organised a day for you to discover these creatures by using digital microscopes.
Learn how these fascinating organisms survive, and how we need to understand them to deal with climate change and the preservation of marine environments.
National Science Week: Marine life in miniature is suitable for children 6 - 12 years and will be held this Sunday, 20 August, between 11am - 2pm at the WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle. Bookings are not required. This activity is free with the General WA Maritime Museum Admission fee.
Daphnia (water flea) under a microscope. Image copyright WA Museum
At the WA Shipwrecks Museum, the focus will be on Maritime Science for National Science Week.
See real historical artefacts up close, including cannon balls, some hundreds of years old! Our friendly Museum education team will explain the innovative techniques our scientists use to discover and preserve these objects.
Did you know museum archaeologists use remote sensing technology such as side-scanning sonars and magnetometers to find and document shipwrecks and other historical artefacts? Once they are discovered, they are preserved by our conservators who are innovators in preserving historic wrecks, including one of the world’s first iron ships, SS Xantho 1848 – whose fascinating engine you can see in the Museum.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the technology, physics, and chemistry used by our renowned scientists and researchers.
National Science Week: Maritime Science is suitable for children 6 - 12 years and is 14, 15, 17 and 18 August, between 10am - 1pm. This is a free activity and bookings are not required.
Scientists using equipment, and artefacts. Image copyright WA Museum
