Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, we can't tell you exactly how long you'll wait. Some people wait a number of years. 

You will first be old enough and eligible to join the club the year you start Grade 5. HOWEVER, this doesn't mean there will be a spot available for you immediately. New member offers depend on how many current members return for the following year. 

Offer rounds begin in January, but can continue through to March depending on who accepts. Occasionally, we have a very small mid-year intake too.

Thank you for your understanding and patience, your enthusiasm for the Club does not go unnoticed. While you wait, why not become a PrimeSCI! School Holiday Workshop regular?

Our meetings are held one Saturday each month from March to December. Meeting dates are selected with care, and we do our best to avoid school and public holidays. 

Session times are generally the same each month. They are typically held in the mornings, with a runtime of 90 mins. Juniors (Gr 5-6) meet 09.30 am  - 11.00 am. Seniors (Yr 7-8) meet 11.30 am - 1.00 pm.

Occasionally we run altered session times to accommodate speakers, for special programs, or travel to external venues. These may be held at any time of day or early evening. We will notify members of any changes in date, time, or location in advance.

Our meetings are held at the Australian Synchrotron, Clayton VIC. 

We are granted special access to this secure Government facility, which is otherwise closed to the general public (you can however book a tour here).

Meeting topic and format is flexible and varies month-to-month. Speakers are announced one-week beforehand, along with a selection of curated resources on their topic.

The key focus of our meetings is typically a guest speaker lecture (40 – 60 mins, including Q&A), members are encouraged to take notes and keep a Scientific Journal. Additionally, meetings include a short but powerful hands-on activity/experiment (15 mins), plus general club housekeeping covering upcoming events, opportunities, discussions and reflections.

Tasks are always optional with multiple entry and exit points. We just ask that members turn up keen to learn and leave showing gratitude to our guests.

Our wonderful network of speakers come from far and wide. Superstar Scientists and topics are announced one week before the session (our speakers volunteer their time, so we occasionally need to be flexible to their schedules).

We cover all areas of STEMM, and welcome researchers, industry professionals, and community groups to share their work and experience. Often it is the topic you least expect to be the most interesting. Check out our past speakers here.

Oh, and don't forget the all the new science friends you'll make!

Our current annual fee is $440 for 10 sessions. Membership fees must be paid upfront. 

At the start of the year, families have the option to pay for either all 10 sessions, or $250 for the first 5 sessions (March to July). Part-time members can continue (August to December) with a second installment of $250 in June.

Casual or pay-as-you go attendance is not currently supported. The LabRat Science Club is a not-for-profit organisation and annual membership fees ensure the smooth running of the programme.