Let’s be honest, we’ve all watched an episode of CSI and though to ourselves, “yeah I could crack probably crack a cold case with a magnifying glass, some dramatic squinting and absolutely no formal training”.
This weekend, you can put those armchair detective skills to the test.
To celebrate National Science Week, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are teaming up with Questacon for a full day of crime-fighting science, giving you the chance to see how STEM helps solve real-world cases.
If you’ve ever driven past the high-tech AFP complex out near Majura and wondered what goes on behind those secure gates, this is your chance to find out.
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Meet Spot the Robot Dog
Yes, you read that right.
The AFP’s resident four-legged tech marvel, Spot the robot dog, will be out and about with his handler. Spot is used to navigating areas too dangerous for human officers, and seeing him in action is worth the trip alone.
He does not fetch sticks, but he does pull off some pretty incredible tricks with a camera and some sensors.
Real-Life Forensic Science
Don’t worry, this isn’t a “watch from behind the barrier” kind of demonstration. Visitors can step into the shoes of an AFP STEM expert and try hands-on activities inspired by the science used in real investigations.
The facial identification team will be on-site running Face Fit demonstrations, showing how they piece together suspects’ faces from witness descriptions. You can also try dusting for fingerprints and learn how a single shoe print left in the dirt can help break a case wide open.
Science Meets Sleuthing
This is well worth braving the August chill for, and the perfect excuse to bundle the family into the car, grab a hot coffee, and head out to Majura for some seriously cool science.
It’s free, educational, and frankly, we reckon the adults will enjoy playing detective just as much as the kids.
We’re getting a cheeky behind-the-scenes sneak peek this Wednesday, but the main public event kicks off on Saturday.
Mark it in your calendar.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Location: AFP Majura Complex, Majura
Dates/Times: Saturday 22 August, 2026
Ticketing/Booking: Free entry
Find out more HERE
