How do you split an atom?

Finding fun, educational and affordable activities to occupy the kids over the summer school holidays is always a challenge.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, has a solution with science tours running daily from the second week of January until the end of the holiday period.

Suitable for curious kids aged 8 to 88, the tours show off some of the most advanced scientific tools – including Australia's only nuclear research reactor.

The tour options include:

Free “Up and Atom” science tours”

These tours run morning and afternoon and provide an insight into the production of life-saving medicines and how nuclear science is driving breakthroughs on a wide range of areas from nanotechnology to renewable energy.

Water Rockets Workshop for Kids

This a 90 minute experiment shows budding astronauts how to convert a 1.25 litre bottle into a rocket and test how well they fly.

The tours will be fully supervised by qualified ANSTO Education Officers and it’s a great opportunity to ask questions on a range of topics from safety and radiation to how to start a career in science.

Tour Details

When?
The free two and a half hour “Up and Atom” science tour is held Monday to Saturday at 9.45am and 1.15pm from the 9th to the 25th of January.

The Water Rockets Workshop for Kids is held at 10:00am on the 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th of January. Cost is $10 per child.

Where?
ANSTO is located near Sutherland, 40 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Parking onsite is free.

How?
Registrations are essential: To register, please call the Visitor Centre on 02 9717 3090 after Thursday 5 January 2012 or email your details to tours@ansto.gov.au.

The Visitor Centre will be closed from Friday 24 December 2011 to Wednesday 4 January 2012. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.