Georgian Greats Science Lecture
Actor David Hall dressed up as nine different famous Georgian Scientists for our annual Science Lecture. Over an hour and a half, we met
Joseph Banks - botanist, president of the Royal Society and founder of Kew Gardens; Thomas Newcomen - inventor of the Steam Engine; James Watt - inventor of the Separate Condenser; Edward Jenner - creator of vaccinations; William Herschel - composer, telescope maker and discoverer of “calorific rays” (infra red); Caroline Herschel - astronomer; John Michell - geologist, proposer of black holes and inventor of the torsion balance method to calculate the mass of the Earth; Henry Cavendish - discoverer of “inflammable air” (hydrogen; Joseph Priestley - discoverer of “pure air" (oxygen) and Count Alessandro Volta - creator of the world’s first battery - the “pile”.
Aims
We host a free Science Lecture every year. This was the first 'live' event 18 months due to covid which was exciting.
Our objective is to produce a fun and interactive show that is full of new learning and knowledgeable facts. Guests are from local prep and primary schools, Years 5 and 6.
Resources
The show was held in our Charter Hall and various members of administrative staff were involved for help with parking, meeting, greeting and general assistance. The other teams required were Facilities and the IT teams who organised the stage lighting and sound.
The show is free and lasts an hour and a half over a two day period starting at 10.30am and 2pm.
Impact
Below are some of the feedback emails from the various schools.
"The children had an amazing time – thank you so much for organising such a wonderful event."
"We loved it…as always!
Thank you so much for inviting us again."
"Thank you so much for inviting us to the show yesterday - it was amazing!! At times, I was watching the children during the show (when I could drag my attention away from the stage) and there was delight and laughter evident all around the hall."
Schools are invited to submit their feedback by email following every show.
Pupil Involvement
Seven schools joined us over the two days, one even attending on both days! In total we welcomed 330 children aged 9 and 10 along with their supporting staff.
Everyone was invited to raise their hand if they wanted to go up on stage to take part and often this was the whole audience. David also involved various teachers, dressing them up in specific outfits which the audience found hilarious.
Frequency
The Science Lectures take place in mid November every year. Normally the focus is on one famous scientist but this year it was decided to try something different.
