Contact Richard Robinson Brighton Science Festival 18 Temple St. richard@BrightonScience.com - 01273 777 628
Brighton BN1 3BH
Over the past five years the Brighton Science Festival has created many fascinating activities, so many that we can now take them on the road.
Pocket Science Funfair - a series of stalls which will engage people in science whether they are having a go at the funfair or designing and running their own stall with our guidance. We can set up a hall-full of activities to accompany some of our talks or demos (below)
OR - this would make a good project for classes or science clubs. We can send you an outline of a stall or stalls, then work with you and the students to clarify the science and design the stalls, to be part of a school event.
Talks - Both Jonathan and Richard have a series of talks, some included here, more on their websites. For all ages 7+
Class workshops - Highly successful workshops, honed to perfection during the Brighton Science Festival's school tours each January. They are curriculum-based and appropriate for whole classes, 11+ years old. With excellent reviews from teachers and students.
Thinking small, we can bring talks and class-based activities for a day. Thinking big, we could create a terrific science fun fair for everyone, children and adults. What about mix and match ... workshops in the morning and a talk in the afternoon, or classroom sessions to build up the stalls in the morning, then the Funfair in the afternoon...?
Let me know what you have in mind and we can work out a possible package.
Richard Robinson
Dr. Jonathan Hare, star of BBCʼs Rough Science and Hollywood Science, was one of the Nobel Prize-winning team that started the nanotechnology revolution exactly 30 years ago. Jonathan is on www.creative-science.org.uk
Richard Robinson runs the Brighton Science Festival. He has written 20 books on science, including the Oxford University Press ʻʼScience Magicʼ series and ʻWhy The Toast Always Lands Butter-side Downʼ. Richard is on www.Smagic.Demon.co.uk
THE POCKET SCIENCE FUN-FAIR
The sort of events that happen at garden fetes are good for learning curriculum topics. Here are just a few: Roll-a-penny. Many stalls are based on probability. What are the odds on the penny landing on a line? The students will find that one kind of grid is so loose that the punter always wins, another is so tight that they canĘźt possibly win. How can maths help to get it right?
How Many Beans in the Jar? - The use of rough approximations makes this and other mathematical questions easy to answer, roughly.
Human Fruit Machine - three people and three bags containing three fruits make a simple but effective fruit machine. They reach into their bags and pull out a fruit. What are the chances that they are all the same? How should the game pay out to get the best crowds and the best profit? Bash the Rat – Find about gravity and forces. The rat's slither down the diagonal tube is affected by friction, its weight and the angle of the tube.
Guess the Weight of the Cake..Cakes' of different size and density (some plasticene, some inflatable, etc) are arranged in order of weight. Tests our ability to judge weight, density, volume and area:
Egg Drop Challenge. Drop an egg from 3 m without it breaking, using paper and sellotape to build a parachute, crumple zone or shock absorber. Invites imaginative use of materials.
There are many more; for instance...
Bridge Building. Construct a bridge to span a gap and take the greatest weight, using only paper and sellotape. Experience stress, but only in the mechanical sense
Spaghetti Towers. Build the tallest tower, using only spaghetti and marshmallows. Basic engineering, using triangles.
Marble Runs. How slowly can you make a marble travel 18 inches? Use slopes and friction to slow it down.
Colour Separation. Use chromatography to separate the component colours of green, orange, brown or black ink.
I Scream. Make ice cream from ice and salt, using latent heat
Balancing Toys. Find about centres of gravity while you make them Floating Ping-pong Ball. The Bernoulli Effect
Deep Sea Diver from a plastic bottle and a straw. All about pressure and density
Lava Lamp from lemonade and raisins. Floating and sinking
Brainbox Electronic Kits. Simple electronic circuits.
Tangrams. Build the funny shapes shown in the pictures
Paper Darts. Build a dart which can fly straight through a tyre
Microscopes. Take a close up look at everyday things and surprise yourself
Card Tricks. Simple maths-based tricks.
Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Tests mental map-making and how the mind
Make a Frog Call (from a plastic cup and a cable tie) and discover what sound is Dad in a Bin. Camera trick to take home and frame, based on perspective.
Rotor from drinking straws, using Newton's third law of motion. New Board Games. Simple but ingenious strategy games – eg nim.
Redesign a human. What improvements would you make? Discover evolution. Taste and smell tests. Can you identify things blindfolded. just by their smell?
WORKSHOPS
Encourage team work and creative thinking. Designed for class work, but can be drop-ins. They last about an hour. Suitable for older students (11+) and adults Of All The Nerve
A Wellcome Trust supported exploration of the brain. The students each become a neuron and are wired up together to form a small brain (or ganglion). They experience thinking, practising, and learning as they attempt a simple task. They become distracted and fatigued, exactly like real neurons, and in the end they triumph. The session includes a survey of the neuron and a look at how ganglions in the eye are responsible for some optical illusions.
For students 12+. 1 hour session for 26-30 people,
The Incredible Machine -
Sponsored by the Institute of Physics
The students build a machine to send a signal around the room. Great fun, and a good test of creativity, observation, ingenuity and team-work. Explores energy, friction, mass, speed, momentum, levers, pulleys, etc.
For anyone 12+.1 hour session for groups of 30 or so, or a drop-in.
Go to Youtube and type in " Brighton Science Festival incredible machine", or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRon3LZc1pM
Windmill Workshop
Jonathan Hare's workshop encourages bold thinking, planning and teamwork as they create a wind turbine powerful enough to power a radio.
Best as a 1 hour session for groups of 30 or so.
Go to Youtube and type in "Brighton Science Festival Windmill Workshop" or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6tqyOdMFTY Voice on a Light Beam
Jonathan Hare's ingenious workshop shows teams of students how to transmit their voices across a room, using a simple torch beam and a tiny mirror. The mirror vibrates with the sound of the voice. The light beam therefore vibrates and the pickup translates the vibrations into sound – the voice of the speaker. A 1 hour session for groups of up to 35
RICHARD ROBINSON
SCIENCE MAGIC TALKS
Richard Robinson's Science Magic talks are good for the whole school or for large crowds – 100+. They can be followed by appropriate workshops or classroom activities Contact Richard Robinson Brighton Science Festival 18 Temple St. richard@BrightonScience.com - 01273 777 628
Brighton BN1 3BH
THE BIG G Use gravity to defy gravity! SCIENCE MAGIC shows you up to a dozen magic tricks. In learning how they work, students learn about gravity, forces, centres of gravity and how we balance, what keeps satellites in orbit, and the use of scientific method to separate truth from ʻmagicʼ.
For Key Stage 1-2
KITCHEN KONJURING Never have kitchens been messed up in a better cause. Simple tricks demonstrate in a comical form the basics of chemistry. The way a solid and a liquid can react to make a gas, including a dramatised chemical reaction; the way industry uses chemicals to make plastic; why tooth decay happens; what to do with bee and wasp stings; the story of Joseph Priestley and the discovery of oxygen. Everyone, including the grown-ups, learns something new in an action-packed hour. For Key Stage 2 SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Perception - how we see, how we hear, and how often we fool ourselves. We use aural and visual illusions to show how sound is formed and why it changes; resonance and how musical instruments use it; how the eye works and how the brain interprets visual images; some illusions. As a tour de force we prove that sometimes up is down, sometimes 'in' is 'out' and sometimes black is white. For Key Stage 2-3
LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING, with Lashings of Custard A history of the Universe, from the Big Bang through to Bognor Regis. Science is now able to map the incredible journey through time, how the Earth was formed, how life appeared and how it evolved to become the present day kaleidoscope of plants and animals. In a culminating demonstration Richard breathes life into a bowl of custard.
For all ages
NUMBER TWOS A mathematical cabaret which begins with the discovery that we humans canʼt count higher than two. It is heartening for those who have difficulty with numbers to realise that their condition is quite normal! How many times can you fold a piece of paper? How can you always win at roulette? How did life spread around the planet? The answer lies in the number two. How does a venus fly-trap count up to three? Thatʼs more advanced maths. We also look at rough approximations, units of measurement and, briefly, at zero and infinity For all ages
LOADS OF POTENTIAL Using different kinds of energy to build an incredible machine before your eyes. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the TV remote control I create a home-made remote control from bits and bobs you can easily find around the house. As the remote is assembled we discuss kinetic, chemical, and potential energy, levers, pulleys and friction. The climax is the triumphant turning OFF of the TV. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1xeX3YNby0 for a Youtube recording of the end result. For Key Stage 3 – a companion to the Incredible Machine
WHY THE TOAST ALWAYS LANDS BUTTER-SIDE DOWN Murphyʼs Laws is the most important law in science; “Whatever CAN go wrong WILL go wrong”. Why does your queue go slowest? Why do buses go round in threes? Why does that toast always land butter-side down? The explanations show that the world is often counter-intuitive. We see how our senses work; how our memories and expectations affect how we perceive the world; the way we use or misuse scientific method; how our emotions affect what we see. Suitable for all who have ever been spiked by Murphy's Law (ie everybody). For Key Stage 3 and older
WHY THE ONE YOU FANCY NEVER FANCIES YOU Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. Thatʼs why we are so willing, so often, to throw ourselves at it so completely. And thatʼs why it goes so horribly wrong so horribly often. Richardʼs talk reveals the science of Murphyʼs Laws of love, explaining the tricks our desperate minds pull when trying to cope with loeurve, from the first stumbling steps to the throes of full-blown obsession, when common sense flies out of the window. For Key Stage 3 and older
JONATHAN HARE - CREATIVE SCIENCE
Each workshop can be tailored from Primary to A-level. See web site for further details of these and other talks and workshops www.creative-science.org.uk
Contact Richard Robinson Brighton Science Festival 18 Temple St. richard@BrightonScience.com - 01273 777 628
Brighton BN1 3BH
HOLLYWOOD SCIENCE
Based on the Hollywood Science TV series we ask how realistic is the science behind some of Hollywood's classic movies and stunts? Depending on time, films include; SPEED, Die Hard, The Score, Waterworld, UP, Moon, View to a kill
ROUGH SCIENCE
Based on the six BBC TV series this talk will go a little deeper into the science of Rough Science. This will be complemented by film clips and demonstrations including: finding gold in New Zealand, a seawater battery, a light-beam communicator and much more.
MOBILE PHONE SCIENCE
The mobile phone is an amazingly sophisticated gadget. We will explore some of the science and technology of mobiles, measure the electromagnetic waves, discover the DTMF and much more ... bring your mobiles!
GEODESIC DOMES
he Epcot Centre (Disney USA) and the Eden Project are examples of Geodesic domes structures originally designed by the inventor and visionary Richard Buckminster Fuller (Bucky Fuller). We will explore Buckys world and make dome structures.
C60, BUCKYBALL WORKSHOP
We will explore the discovery, structure and properties of C60, Buckminsterfullerene (1996 Nobel Prize). Jonathan was part of the pioneering team at Sussex who discovered the molecule. We shall explore symmetry, some simple maths and construct molecular models.
CHRISTMAS LED WORKSHOP
We make up circuits of coloured LED's to decorate homemade Christmas cards and trees. The children will need to make the cards and trees before the workshop and bring them along for decoration with their homemade circuits.
THE CARBON REVOLUTION
The last 30 years has seen a revolution in our understanding of carbon. Pure forms of carbon (allotropes) that everyone knows are diamond and graphite but now we also have chains, rings, cages (fullerenes), nanotubes and graphene. This talk will take us on a journey through the discovery of these amazing carbon structures - from atoms blown out into the vastness of space by stars to Buckyballs, new nanotechnology and two Nobel prizes. For a full range of Creative Science talks and workshops, go to www.creative-science.org.uk
SCIENCE MAGIC - RICHARD ROBINSON
“The man is a genius! Richard Robinson is just a brilliant presenter. This session was off the scale good! We have tried to encourage Joeʼs school to book Richard for a session, and have booked him ourselves for Joeʼs birthday party.”
FEED BACK FROM LONDON BAYS DAYS IN IMPERIAL COLLEGE MARCH 2000
Should be on the comedy circuit – thoroughly enjoyed it Victor Meldrew meets Basil Fawlty! Fantastically engaging. Thanks! Excellent! A real entertainer, making poignant observations with style! The illusions illustrated his points perfectly. Brilliantly engaging for all ages Richard Robinson was fantastic, so funny. I loved the fact he is engaging and animated. Grabbed our attention immediately. Havenʼt laughed so much in ages. Teaching children without them even realising itʼs a lesson...!
FEEDBACK FROM UEA FAMILY DAY, NORWICH 2010
Thank you for the invitation to the lecture on Wednesday. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were regaling the rest of the school with some of the jokes the next day! I watched them during the talk and they were literally on the edge of their seats! Many said that it was the best talk they have ever been to and are eager to come again next year. Many thanks. Jane Priestley, St Michael's Prep School, Otford, Kent
SIR HUMPHREY DAVY LECTURE, SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL INSTITUTION 2010
“This was a first class example of a great university lecturer. He was sympathetic, dynamic, educational, funny, well paced, good timekeeper, great at punchlines. He must have been shattered at the end. Great experience.” “Excellent, very amusing.” “Last speaker showed that to be a good teacher you need to be a performer.” “Brilliant!” “Really good” “Informative and enjoyable” “Entertaining” “Excellent speaker - really entertaining
MERSEYSIDE SCIENCE CONFERENCE (Heads of Science) July 2001
Mr.Richard Robinson enthralled the Malaysian audiences with his simple but effective presentation. It was truly a learning experience for all of us. His sincere enthusiasm to impart his in-depth knowledge of the wonders of science makes him a truly outstanding science communicator. We wish the world had more Richards around to spark and nurture the spirit of discovery in the younger generation of this planet.
A.JAYANATH, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE, MALAYSIA
“...a bundle of fun and excitement. What a way to learn science.”
FROM DECOY SCHOOL, NEWTON ABBOT
“Outstanding. Well presented. Clear instructions. Ideas easily transferable to immediate classroom use.”
FROM DELEGATES TO THE ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE EDUCATION ANNUAL MEETING ;
Contact Richard Robinson Brighton Science Festival 18 Temple St. richard@BrightonScience.com - 01273 777 628
Brighton BN1 3BH
Of All The Nerve- How memories are made and habits formed. Members of the audience become neurons – excitatory or inhibitory – and learn a skill together. Then discover why the old saying is true: nothing works when people are watching. Donʼt be inhibited; this will be exciting in a very real, neurological sense
Teacher evaluations from January 2011 tour:
It was fantastic – funny and pitched just at the correct level whilst still developing their learning. Very kinaesthetic and a good mix of activities. I feel very privileged that our pupils were able to benefit from this, so thank you so much!
THANKS. Please come again
Just thanks again for coming in and doing these workshops – much appreciated.
Please keep doing them!! They are absolutely fantastic
We would like to thank you for taking time to come to our school to further enthuse and engage our students. The students who came to the workshop were bragging to their friends about it.
Richard is a very engaging ʻperformerʼ which was commented on by many.
This was a presentation which entertained and informed through humour and interesting practical demonstrations and hands-on experimenting. It was all the better for being brought to us by two animated and inspiring scientists who brought such freshness to the subject matter, despite the fact that they must cover this ground on numerous occasions!.
My class have provided me with very positive verbal comments about the session. Really helped to inspire and enthuse the pupils.
The workshop gave the students a really interactive experience of how neurons work and the application of this in relation to touch, sight, and other senses.
Our students LOVED it. You really fired their enthusiasm. The practical aspect was good, but the energy of the presentation was what won them over!
Although the work covered currently comes up in the KS4 curriculum the workshop provided great start to the students in finding out more about our brains and the nervous system. They really enjoyed a change from normal lessons and it helped to keep the students attitudes to science positive.
At a recent parents evening, many said how much their children enjoyed the day.
For students with only very basic knowledge of cells and nerves, this provided an interesting insight into the way in which messages are passed and how networks of nerves permit actions to be controlled.
Doing something different that was exciting and inspiring, beyond the realms some KS4 content, whilst still being pitched at the correct level for them. The Reflex arc activity was particularly well done and really engaged the students.
Our students enjoyed both the activity and the taught part of the lesson, including the optical illusions at the end All pupils were engaged and enthused both during and after the workshop.
The benefit to staff was that it gave new ideas about relating key curriculum ideas in creative ways. For the students it broke the monotony of lessons and provided a dynamic and lively learning environment.
The pupils were introduced to a topic which extended their current knowledge, encouraged cooperation and ʻhands-onʼ activity, and, above all, re-emphasised that Science is both exciting and fun, especially when taught by real enthusiasts. It is always refreshing for students to hear from new teachers with a slightly different ʻangleʼ on presentation.