Bot To Trot

SCIENCE FICTION IS CLOSER TO FACT THAN YOU MIGHT THINK. ERIK JENSEN REPORTS. STAR WARS: WHERE SCIENCE MEETS IMAGINATION Thursday to April 26, 10am-5pm, Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, 9217 0111, $24-$12.

The Margarets

THE MARGARETS Sheri S. Tepper Hatchette Livre, $32.99 Bordering on fantasy and science fiction, Tepper's novel is a little hard to follow at times, but overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Next Month, In A Gallery Not Far Away

Science and imagination meet in a Star Wars-themed exhibition at the Powerhouse. Laura Parker previews its launching-pad approach. Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination opens on December 4 at the Powerhouse Museum.

Monday, November 24 - Pay Tv

Naked Science: Glacier Meltdown

Biofuels 'should Come From Non-food Crops'

BIOFUELS from non-food crops should be used to enhance Australia's energy security, not those that come at the expense of food production, says a report by a leading science organisation.

Youth In Big Guns' Sights

THE Hunter Region has been awarded $2.9 million for a new science, technology and maths program in high schools that aims to encourage students to take up careers in the defence industry.

Being Published Does Not Turn Fiction Into Fact

The peer-review system for publication in science journals is inherently flawed and in desperate need of an overhaul. Emeritus Professor Brian Milton's comments (Letters, November 13) in support of the system reveal a naivety that appears common among senior academics raised at a time when academic performance, pay and position were not so closely tied to publishing papers.

New Curriculum's Teacher Challenge

THE man appointed by the Federal Government to create Australia's first national curriculum has warned that schools will require more teachers and better training if it is to be successful. National Curriculum Board chairman Barry McGaw said it was one thing to develop a new curriculum in English, maths, science and history, but quite another to ensure there were enough teachers, and properly trained, to teach the revamped subjects when they are introduced from 2011.

Hats Off To The Bold Bands

TV ON THE RADIO Dear Science (Touch And Go/Remote Control) BLOC PARTY Intimacy (Wichita/Shock)