Fed: Questacon celebrates 20 years

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2008
Fed: Questacon celebrates 20 years

CANBERRA, Feb 15 AAP - Questacon has come a long way from a modest science centre set
up in a Canberra primary school in 1980 and run by volunteers.

The national science and technology centre plays host to thousands of school children
every week and has earned an international reputation for its interactive science exhibitions.

Questacon staff reflected on the centre's history today as they marked the 20th anniversary
of the opening of a purpose-built centre.

More than six years in the making, the $20 million centre was co-funded by the Japanese
government.

Since the opening more than 6.8 million visitors have walked through the doors of Questacon
and a further 14.9 million have participated in its travelling exhibitions around the
country.

Questacon exhibitions have also visited 31 other countries.

Director Graham Durant said the key to the centre's success was its hands-on approach to science.

"The hands-on-exhibits and the face-to-face demonstrations are the key," Professor Durant said.

Questacon will mark the anniversary with an exchange student program with Japan and
a number of new exhibitions including one on measurement and phenomena.

AAP sld/rl/jt/mn

KEYWORD: QUESTACON

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