Lectures

2009- 2010 Programme:  click here to download a pdf version of the flyer

Wednesday 24th February at 6:30pm
Dr Rob Janes & Dr Mike Batham
Wednesday 24th March
Cloudspotting
Wednesday  28th April
The Cyborg Experiment:-Robots with Biological Brains and Humans with Part Machine Brains
Wednesday  26th May
How to Cheat at Mind Reading
Wednesday 23 June at 6:30pm
Maggots and Murders: the role of insect evidence in criminal investigations
Dr Martin Hall
Wednesday  28th July at 3pm and 6:30pm
My Horrible Life

Lectures usually last approximately 1 hour plus time for questions
 
24th February at 18:30
Dr Rob Janes and Dr Mike Batham
Magic of Oxygen
Oxygen is the most important element in the Earth’s crust and accounts for about 21% of the air, without it there would be no life as we know it. But what is so special about this gas? Who discovered it? How have we put it to use? These questions and more are answered, and some of the more unusual properties of oxygen are demonstrated in a series of spectacular (and occasionally explosive) experiments, including how to make fire from water, produce a genii from a teapot, and we prove that you really can have money to burn!
Suitable age 10 upwards
 
24th March at 18:30
Gavin Pretor-Pinney
Cloudspotting
Gavin Pretor-Pinney, the author of the international bestseller, The Cloudspotter's Guide, which draws on science, meteorology and mythology for a magical journey through the world of clouds, will present a playful trip through the varied beauty and distinctive personalities of the principal cloud types. From the ethereal cirrus to the terrifying cumulonimbus, he will tell the story of the short but eventful life of clouds, and their importance to our planet. Find out how immense quantities of water can stay up in the sky for so long and how lightning and thunder are created.
Suitable age 10 upwards
 
28th April at 18:30
Prof Kevin Warwick
The Cyborg Experiments
In this presentation a look is taken at how the use of implant and electrode technology can be employed to create biological brains for robots, to enable human enhancement and to diminish the effects of certain neural illnesses. In all cases the end result is to increase the range of abilities of the recipients. An indication is given of a number of areas in which such technology has already had a profound effect, a key element being the need for a clear interface linking a biological brain directly with computer technology. The emphasis is clearly placed on practical scientific studies that have been and are being undertaken and reported on. The area of focus is notably the use of electrode technology, where a connection is made directly with the cerebral cortex and/or nervous system. The presentation will consider the future in which robots have biological, or part-biological, brains and in which neural implants link the human nervous system bi-directionally with technology and the internet.
Suitable age 13 upwards
 
26th May at 18:30
Rob Eastaway
How To Cheat At Mind-Reading
From Uri Geller to Derren Brown, mind-reading has been captivating the public for generations. But some of the most mysterious 'mind-reading' of all comes from the world of maths. Rob demonstrates (and then explains) some of his favourite mathematical mind-reading tricks, some of which date back to the time of Leonardo da Vinci. Rob Eastaway is one of the leading popularisers of maths in the UK. He is best known for his books which include the bestselling ‘Why do buses come in threes?’ and ‘Maths for Mums and Dads’ (published in 2010). He is Director of Maths Inspiration, a programme of theatre-based maths talks aimed at teenagers, which reached over 10,000 students last year. He has appeared regularly on BBC Radio 5, 4, 3 and 2 to talk about everyday mathematics, and is still waiting for a call from Radio 1 to complete the set.
Suitable age 10 upwards
 
23rd June at 18:30
Dr Martin Hall
Maggots and Murders:  the role of insect evidence in criminal investigations
Crime-novel readers who are fascinated by forensic science can learn about the gruesome tasks of forensic entomologists. Dr Hall is often called to crime scenes and will be discussing the vital part that insect evidence can play, if correctly interpreted. For example, blowflies are usually the first insects to arrive at a body after death and their maggots can provide a vital indication of time, place and means of death.
This lecture is staged in conjunction with The Royal Entomological Society and is part of a series of  public events throughout National Insect Week.
Suitable age 10 upwards
 
28th July at 15:00 and 18:30
Nick Arnold
My Horrible Life
Nick Arnold is Britain’s best-selling children’s science writer, with sales of over five million copies in the UK and an estimated ten million more worldwide, Horrible Science books include Measly Medicine, The Horrible Science of Everything, Evil Inventions and the Horrible Science Handbook series - books designed to train children to become horrible scientists in their own right!
Suitable age 7 upwards
 
 
Prices:
£6.00 adults, £5.00 concessions & students, £3.00 children under 16.
 - includes free entry to the exhibition. Doors open at 17.00 hrs.
 

Intech Science Shows

These can be requested, in advance, as part of a school visit at an additional cost of £1.50 per person (plus VAT) (minimum charge £50+VAT).
  • Joining Forces (KS2)
  • Joining Forces (KS3)
  • Sounds Amazing (KS1-3)
  • Can You Believe Your Eyes? (KS 2-3)
Shows by visiting presenters can also be arranged:

 
Last Modified: 03/02/2010