Macquarie will be doing its part to inspire Australians about science, technology and innovation, hosting several events for the upcoming Sydney Science Festival – held in conjunction with National Science Week 12-20 August

• Human Evolution: Past, Present, Future
  Over the past 80,000 years, humans have changed enormously in their biology, culture and technology. In this three-part interactive workshop, review human evolution, focusing on the most recent hominin discovery – Homo floresiensis, from Indonesia. Then discuss our current position in earth’s history – the Anthropocene. Finally, explore what our future might be and how humans might interact with robots.
  This activity will combine interactive talks with demonstrations and is open to all ages.Friday 11 August, 6.30–8.30pm, E7B Mason Theatre, Macquarie University
• Future Humans: A workshop for ages 5+
  What will we look like in the future? Will our brains and our heads keep getting bigger – or will we use them less so they get smaller? Will we stop using our legs and drive everywhere or will we grow a tail?
  In this fun workshop we will explore what we used to look like thousands of years ago and how and why we have changed into the humans we know today. Then we will predict what type of challenges we face in the future and what this will mean for the evolution of the human race.
  You will then get a chance to design your own future human. Ages: 5 upwards.Friday 11 August 2017, 4.30pm-6.00pm, E7B Foyer
• Brilliant Brains: How Kids Learn Language
  Learn how language scientists from Macquarie University’s Child Language Lab solve the puzzles of language learning. Take part in interactive demonstrations and games and hear a short talk about recent research highlights regarding how children acquire sounds, words, and grammar in their first or second language.Sunday 13 August, 2.30pm-4.00pm, Powerhouse Museum (Short introduction at 2.30pm. Interactive demonstrations and games from 2.45pm–4pm.)
• Chatswood Science and Technology Expo 2017
  A free event for all the family, get up close with technology, get creative in a maker space with vendors and workshops, explore science exhibitions and enjoy plenty of technology. See 3D printing and laser cutting demonstrations, get coding or try your hands at electronics.
  Plus speak to scientists from CSIRO, The National Measurement Institute, the Australian Astronomical Organisation, Macquarie University and more.Saturday 12 August, 10am–3pm, Chatswood Library and Concourse
• The Indigenous Science Experience Family Fun Day
  Open to the whole community, The Indigenous Science Experience Family Fun Day demonstrates the value of traditional and contemporary (customary) Indigenous knowledge in science and technology and the relevance of science to our everyday lives. Enjoy activities presented by academic and research scientists, Indigenous Elders, student peer-educators and other outreach and community leaders.
  This event is hosted by the National Indigenous Science Education Program, Macquarie University, Inspiring Australia, Redfern Community Centre and the City of Sydney.Sunday 20 August, 10am–3pm, Redfern Community Centre
• Wild Science Race at Taronga
  Join the Wild Science Race at Taronga Zoo and see wildlife through the eyes of a scientist. Explore current research projects with Taronga Zoo and Macquarie University scientists.Test and expand your wildlife knowledge as you work in small teams  to complete your Wild Science Race Passport.  Complete the Wild Science Race and you’ll enter the draw to win a Wild Ropes Family Pass.Saturday 19 August, 10am–1.30pm, Taronga Zoo