Science Show from Royal Institution

The Royal Institution is an esteemed scientific body which was set up in 1799 with the purpose to introduce new technologies and scientific breakthroughs to the public. It aimed to do this through lectures and hands-on demonstrations given by Nobel Prize winners and eminent scientists such as Michael Faraday and Jane Goodall.  

How thrilled we were to welcome The Royal Institution to Caterham with their Science Show – Explosive food! We were very excited to see the show as many of us had seen the famous ‘Christmas Lectures’ which are always so interesting.  

Presenter Ted, introduced us to the world of the digestive system with a flash as we found out just how much energy was contained in the food we eat through exciting chemical, biological and physical demonstrations – including a flour powder being ignited into an explosion of fire, an erupting fountain of cola, an accelerating rocket and fuel bubbles being burned – which was really odd to see something wet and soapy burst into flames!  

Almost 1000 children, teachers and parents in total saw the 4 shows through the day and evening and with so much action it was exciting, educationally stimulating and thought provoking. 

We left with a host of facts at our fingertips from knowing about stomach acid being so strong it kills bacteria, to enzymes which help speed up reactions to break down the food. We saw how our different teeth work together to grind and cut food as well as how we absorb food through a very visual display involving baked beans, coffee, chocolate cakes and a pair of nylon tights! 

Many thanks to Ted and The Royal Institution team.