1. WHAT IS DOUBLE HELIX MAGAZINE? WHO IS IT FOR AND WHAT DOES IT COVER?
Double Helix is CSIRO’s science magazine for kids aged 8-14. We cover the whole range of science, from cool stuff like robots, cute stuff like quokkas, important stuff like plastic recycling and cutting-edge stuff like AI art and chatbots.
We’re focused on making science fun. Every issue is packed with hands-on activities, puzzles, competitions, reviews and jokes. It’s perfect for young science fans, but it’s honestly great for the whole family. The words are easy to read, but the ideas are mind blowing!
2. WHAT CAN READERS EXPECT FROM DOUBLE HELIX MAGAZINE IN THE COMING MONTHS?
I’m hard at work on our ‘animal rescue’ issue. We chat with quoll scientists, bat rescuers and echidna trackers. Getting hands-on, we investigate how baby birds breathe while they’re still in their eggs. Plus, we’ve got a great puzzle that teaches you to recognise the poos that different native animals do.
Coming up later in the year, I’m really excited about our ‘sound’ issue. We’ll meet some amazing scientists who are trying to work out what prehistoric animals sounded like. For something faster, we’ll find out why it’s so hard to break the sound barrier. And we’ll have step-by-step instructions for making sound effects for your own videos.
3. IF DOUBLE HELIX MAGAZINE HAD A MOTTO, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Way, way back in the 1980s our motto was ‘science with a twist’ and I think that’s still pretty good. But I think we’re a bit more focused on empowering young people, so maybe: Double Helix: Make science your superpower!
4. IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE FAMOUS FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A couple of years ago, I interviewed a few of the Karajarri Indigenous Rangers. They’ve been experimenting with lighting cultural burns from helicopters. Soaring over a stunning landscape while conducting cutting-edge experiments in essential landcare sounds like an absolutely amazing way to spend a day. Plus, I’m pretty sure they’re having a lot of fun too.
6. WHY SUBSCRIBE?
Double Helix is fun. It’s packed with cool facts and amazing future predictions. We’re not afraid to tackle scary topics like climate change or plastic pollution, but we’re optimistic about the future. We know that, with knowledge and enthusiasm, Australia’s youth will create a better tomorrow.
Double Helix has a long history of encouraging young peoples’ interest in science. There are literally thousands of scientists and STEM professionals, across Australia and around the world, who were Double Helix members when they were younger. If you know a young person with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, pick up a copy or two and open a window to science.
