The Science Circus is a joint initiative of Shell in Australia, The Australian National University (ANU) and Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre. The Science Circus tours regional Australia for 18 to 20 weeks every year.
The Science Circus staff visit local schools and present lively and energetic science shows using everyday materials and props. The Science Circus also supports the teaching of science and technology by running practical and fun professional development workshops for teachers. This year a new teacher professional development workshop, "Science for Starters" teacher module was trialled and well received by teachers. This workshop aims to give teachers confidence in trying new ways of exploring science using simple everyday objects and extending the concept to explore the science behind easily observed phenomena.
At each regional centre they visit, the Science Circus sets up an interactive portable science centre in central venue where the public is welcome to experience science. Families can try out science experiments such as measuring their throwing ability, feel the physics of ice-skating and use maths to escape from handcuffs. Visitors enjoy themselves and try science and technology at the same time.
The Science Circus staff are young science graduates selected from many applicants to study for a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication run by the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at ANU. The Science Circus is part of the practical component of the course and aims to develop graduates’ skills in communicating effectively with all Australians about science and technology.
Since 1985, over 230 Science Circus graduates have contributed lasting benefits to science education in regional Australia. Independent evaluations have found the Graduate Diploma to be highly regarded both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, the programme boasts an excellent record in terms of graduates securing employment in a fascinating range of careers in Australia and overseas.
Questacon Smart Moves is an initiative of the Australian Government’s Backing Australia’s Ability 
- Building our Future through Science and Innovation package.
The programme aims to raise awareness of science and innovation among young Australians in rural and regional areas and to inspire them to pursue futures and opportunities in science, math, engineering, and technology. The very latest in these fields is demonstrated to students in rural and regional secondary schools across Australia.
The Tenix Questacon Maths Squad recognises maths as a way of thinking, and that maths uses numbers to express things about our world. In the workshops, students experience success and fun with maths through the use of visually stimulating, interactive puzzles and engaging stories. The emphasis is on using the mathematical processes to solve problems rather than getting the correct answer, giving students an opportunity to develop their mathematical thinking skills. The Tenix Questacon Maths Squad aims to broaden students’ views of maths in the world in an entertaining way but with a substantial message about the importance of maths.
Based in Sydney, the Questacon Science Squad performs entertaining science shows featuring intriguing demonstrations that cover a wide range of science themes. The Science Squad presenters, who are specially trained in science communication and education, inspire enthusiasm for science through energetic performances that engage students of all ages.
Each year, the Science Squad visits primary and secondary school students in the Sydney metropolitan area. Teachers choose from a selection of science show titles, each of which has links with the school curriculum. Science topics include: the greenhouse effect, forces, sound, electricity, liquid nitrogen, senses, bubbles, balloons and slime.