This week, Year 11 students had an incredible opportunity to attend Science Live at Oxford’s New Theatre, where they were enthralled by presentations from five of the UK’s leading scientists. The event was a fantastic way to enhance GCSE learning while showcasing how science tackles some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
On Thursday, the entire Year 11 group headed to Oxford's New Theatre to listen to esteemed experts: Prof Andrea Sella, Prof Jim Al-Khalili, Dr Kate Lancaster, Prof Dave Cliff, and Dr Eleonora D’Elia. These distinguished scientists captivated the students with their cutting-edge research and engaging presentations.
Prof Andrea Sella amazed everyone by not only speaking eloquently about chemical processes but also using live demonstrations with chemicals to illustrate his points. Whether discussing how zebras got their stripes or the properties of mercury, his dynamic approach brought science to life. The use of a visualizer ensured that every detail of his experiments was clearly visible to all.
Prof Jim Al-Khalili, a professor of physics at the University of Surrey, also holds a chair in the Public Engagement of Science. With a Faraday prize for science communication under his belt, his impressive credentials include BBC. Prof Al-Khalili has also authored several science books, making complex scientific enigmas accessible and fascinating.
Dr Kate Lancaster addressed the future of nuclear fusion as a potential solution to our energy problems. At 14, she was torn between becoming a dancer or a scientist. Now, she's deeply involved in solving challenging scientific issues and working on setting up an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.
Prof Dave Cliff, an academic at Bristol and a former research scientist for companies like Hewlett-Packard and Deutsche Bank, offered insights into the exciting new developments in computer science. His talk, titled Computer Whizz: the best is yet to come, highlighted the astonishing advancements on the horizon.
Dr Eleonora D’Elia, a Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London, specializes in materials science. Besides teaching undergraduate courses, she is dedicated to outreach for schools and serves as a STEM ambassador. She is also part of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in science.
Feedback from the Year 11 students was overwhelmingly positive:
- The variety of topics was so cool. It really showed me how different areas of science connect to real life.
- Listening to those scientists who are super proud and enthusiastic about their work was really inspiring. It made me see how exciting science can be.
Science Live not only broadened the students' understanding of various scientific fields but also ignited a newfound appreciation for the impact of science on our world. It was truly a day of inspiration and discovery for all involved.