About SMART
SMART is an acronym for Science Maths And Real technology.
SMART is an innovative non-profit science communication program providing relevant high-quality science shows* and activities that:
1. Inspire, inform and involve young people with science.
(Here the word ‘science’ includes mathematics, engineering and technology.)
2. Provide opportunities for university students – future scientists, engineers, managers and educators – to learn and practice science communication.
3. Encourage widespread ongoing participation and dialogue relating to science. This may take the form of public discussion, science-based entertainment or activities, as well as personal interest, study or employment
* A science show is an entertaining ~30 minute live presentation that uses audience interaction, demonstrations, drama, stories, multimedia… to explore science.
Fast Facts
WHAT: Science shows and, where available, related student hands-on workshops. Please inquire if you want a special program or are interested in teacher Professional Development sessions
WHEN: Any time
WHERE: Most SMART events are conducted in school halls, classrooms or libraries. Public libraries, stadiums and shopping centres are other common venues for public SMART shows.
WHO: SMART shows are available for all age groups; from pre-schoolers to retirees.
History of SMART
The University of Newcastle’s SMART (Science, Maths And Real Technology) program began in 1998 with a modest total audience of around 2,300 people. A decade later SMART regularly reaches around 20,000 people per year with inspirational science shows and events. It has a part-time staff of 4, offers several academic scholarships, and training in science communication.
Rates of enrolment in science at HSC level have dramatically declined over the years. By encouraging young children to develop an early interest in science, this trend may be slowed and, hopefully, reversed. SMART shows are designed develop this interest in science, in children who may not already think science is exciting, and to encourage it in those that do.
SMART values
The way that SMART operates is solidly based on its core values:
- Opportunities for innovation, growth, learning, involvement and mutual support.
- People; their various cultures, needs, experiences, skills and expectations.
- Quality; do it right the first time, do it better the next time!
- Relevance; meaningful, contextual and applications-focused science.
- Science; knowledge, processes and social factors.
SMART aims for a win-win-win situation: for the audiences, the university communicators, and institutions that support the program.
Awards
In 2001, the UK Institute of Physics recognised the value of SMART in introducing science to the community. Terry Burns, the program’s developer, was given an award for the Public Communications of Physics. This award demonstrates that SMART is a world class program.
SMART was also a finalist in the Eureka awards of 1999, again a clear demonstration of the high standards achieved by the program.
Want more info? Join our Facebook page! Here you will find:
- Discussion boards where you can tell us what you like/ didn't like about our shows, ideas for shows, things that you want to see in our shows
- Regularly updated educational content
- Photo experiments of things that you can do at home