Following the successful application of a grant to the Royal Institution (RI), Tewkesbury Academy hosted two science shows on Super Cells, a CPD session for the Science team and a community show on Rocket Science.
The Royal Institution is a charitable organisation bringing the public and scientists together to share their interest and passion for science.
They align with our CLF values of HEART where we believe there should be equal access to science. They are most well known for their annual Christmas Lectures televised just after Christmas. This year Dr Chris van Tulleken reveals the revolutionary science inside our bodies when we eat, in the 2024 Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution, supported by CGI, and information can be found here: https://www.rigb.org/christmas-lectures.
Years 7 and 8 were treated to “Super Cells” where the RI presenter, Usmaa introduced the idea of super spreading of a mystery disease with an Iron Wool map of Great Britain. With regular interaction and volunteers of Tewkesbury Academy Students, Usmaa took the students on a journey through exploring antibiotics on bacteria (and Daisy popping balloons); the “Yellow Soup” of Ge Hong (don’t look it up after lunch!); a demo of how much mucus a human body releases in 24 hours to the modern invention of Vaccines, and the work of our local legend – Edward Jenner. There were lots of active demonstrations and students were engaged and attentive.
Usmaa then ran a CPD session for our Science Department and introduced various resources for us to utilise.
In the evening, we were treated to a community show on Rocket Science. We began with dodging mini whoosh bottles into the audience*, then a demo to show the density of carbon dioxide where candles were extinguished.
With the help of 6 audience members, Usmaa demonstrated the power of friction on some phone directories (which were a novel idea to the students amongst the audience, let along the tug of war to try and separate them!).
A very brave George then ignited some butane flames, and we finished with an igniting a rock using electricity with a very loud bang (luckily not damaging any ceiling tiles!).
Dr Kennedy, Director of Science gave the following statement “I became a scientist as a direct result of watching the RI Christmas Lectures when I was a child.
“When I discovered the grant, I immediately applied and was thrilled to be offered the shows to our students and community.
“Usmaa delivered a fantastic interactive and interesting set of shows, and we look forward to exploring the lectures in lessons going forward.”
