WOW!!! GTCASA Full Day - SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY!

GTCASA Super Science Saturday! Tickets Only $25

Hosted by:

The Gifted & Talented Children's Association of South Australia

The Day's Program

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome & Arrival

Sign in and orientation

• Light free play / regulation space open

• Cardboard build area available for early arrivals

• Gentle settling before structured activities.

9:30 – 11:00

Silly Science with Simon

Simon Blacket

South Australia's very own YouTube sensation, the fun-scientist-in-chief behind Silly Science with Simon, where fizzing reactions, exploding experiments and big laughs collide. With a knack for turning complex science into hands-on fun, Simon gets kids thinking, questioning and shouting “whoa!” - all while learning how the world really works.

Simon grew up doing science experiments at home, in the kitchen and in the back yard. He followed this interest through school and then on to university. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Adelaide, for which he received a University Medal and the Honours Alumni University Medal. He studied Chemistry and Applied Mathematics. After university, Simon worked for the Department of Industry and Science, and currently works for the Department of Education.

Simon also co-wrote and stars in the hit stage show I WONDER - A Science Musical to Ignite Imagination, touring sold out theatre shows and schools performances in both 2024 and 2025.

We start the day with Simon's high-energy science demonstrations and hands-on experiments, exploring:

• Chemistry

• Matter

• and Reactions

Kids can rotate through activities at their own pace.

A quiet space will remain available for anyone who needs a breather.

Check out Simon's YouTube Channel here.

11:00 – 12:00

Exploring the Universe from Your Backyard!

Dr Kym Thalassoudis 

Stargazing SA

Dr Kym Thalassoudis served for 30 years as a Rocket Propulsion Scientist at the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) before retiring in 2019. A prominent South Australian astronomer, his special interests include celestial cartography (star mapping), astro-imaging, and public outreach. Former President of the Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSA), and now directing Stargazing SA, Kym is known for creating The Evening Sky Map, a monthly guide used globally to help beginners navigate the night sky.

Join Kym for an introduction to observing the night and daytime sky and the remarkable new technologies enabling anyone to explore the depths of the Universe, even from light-polluted backyards. 

• The session includes a demonstration of advanced telescope hardware and software.

• Families can head outside in small groups to safely view the Sun in remarkable detail using Kym’s specialised solar scope.

• A beautiful transition from high-energy science into something calmer and awe-based.

Kym will be setup all day, for families to come and go as they please.

The 11am session will be for the dedicated group presentation session.

*Please bring sunscreen, a hat and water.

Check out Stargazing SA here.

12:00 – 1:00

MakeDo Cardboard Creations (+ Free Play)

Open creative build time using the MakeDo system, plus relaxed social play.

A natural decompression window before lunch.

1:00 – 2:00

BBQ Lunch, Parent Mingle & Parents Information Session

Information & Parents session delivered through a round table Q&A with the GTCASA Committee.

• Discussing all things Gifted & Neurodivergence.

• Unstructured, relationship-building time while the kids continue to eat and play nearby.

Community BBQ lunch with time to connect with:

• Other Parents

• Scientists and Presenters

• GTCASA Committee Members

2:00 – 3:30

Uncovering the Invisible: A Journey into Dark Matter

Haylea Purnell and Amelia Lovison Dark Matter Research Institute

Haylea Purnell Haylea is a PhD student in physics at the University of Adelaide, working on dark matter research under the supervision of Prof Paul Jackson with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics. Her work is part of cutting-edge efforts in fundamental particle physics and outreach to engage young people with big questions about the universe.

Amelia Lovison

Amelia is a Master of Philosophy (Physics) student at the University of Adelaide, with a research background in particle physics. She is involved in exploratory research (including work related to high-energy physics experiments) and brings insight into how scientists study subatomic particles and the building blocks of matter.

Experience a deep-dive science session sharing both scientific ideas and hands-on investigations that help participants think like researchers studying unseen phenomena. This has been one of GTCASA's most popular events.

• Dark matter mystery boxes

• Gravity and spacetime

• 3D matter models

• Big questions about the universe!

Learn more about the Dark Matter Research Institute here.

Also running alongside from 2:00 - 3:30

Robotics Coding Taster

Leading Coding Robotics Education Team Leading Coding

Leading Coding represents a structured AI and robotics education system built on curriculum design and comprehensive teacher training, ensuring a consistent and high-quality learning experience across all programs. LEGO Robotics workshop are delivered by instructors who are trained through an internal framework and follow a uniquely designed, university-level structured curriculum.

Dive into the fun of coding with the Leading Coding Robotics Education Team.

• Small rotating groups will experience hands-on robotics and basic coding concepts.

• Possibly exploring coding through LEGO robotics.

*Please bring a fully charged laptop & charger.

Learn more at the Leading Coding website here.

3:30 – 4:00

Creative Wind-Down + Goodbyes

• Cardboard creations utilising the engaging MakeDo sets.

• Calm play

• Pack-up

Also, don't miss Dr Kym Thalassoudis's evening Stargazing session the night before!

Exploring the Wonders of the Universe — Regional Outreach Session

Friday 20th March 8pm - 9.30pm

Read more and book tickets here

GTCASA Super Science Saturday!

Tickets Only $25

A ticket is required for each child. 🎟️

Parents and supporting adults attend free.

A BBQ lunch will be provided for all registered guests and families.

Please provide your own snacks and water.