Discovering the fun of science

A new kind of science education is on offer to primary and secondary school students in two Science Today lectures to take place at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin next month. It is not just about making science fun, it is about letting the fun that is already in science get out, according to the scientist who will deliver the lectures.

With a working title, Magic, Science or Mystery, Paul McCrory will deliver two lectures as part of the ongoing Irish Times, RDS Science Today lecture series. The presentations are lively and entertaining demonstration lectures, one suited to fifth and sixth class primary pupils and the other suitable for first to third year junior cycle secondary school students. They take place on May 3rd at the RDS Concert Hall.

"We are not trying to make science fun, we believe that we are letting the fun that is already in science out," says McCrory. "The curiosity and enthusiasm of young people makes them natures scientists."

McCrory will present a variety of engaging experiments including how cans can roll uphill and how balloons can become fire-proof. This he says is magic with a difference however as the audience is encouraged to figure out for themselves the science behind the experiments.

McCrory's company (www.think-differently.co.uk) is an educational consultancy that develops and presents interactive science shows for schools and the public. He has worked at the Techniquest Discovery Centre in Cardiff and as a demonstration leader at W5 in Belfast.

He acknowledges that while the science itself is something that students can enjoy, the way it is presented in the schools, "school science" as he describes it, serves to convince students that science at third level or as a career is not for them.

It is this attitude he is attempting to counter with the way he develops his lectures, McCrory says. Students are encouraged to seek out the science behind what they see. It allows them to experience the exhilaration of discovery as a complex problem is solved and a question is answered.

Most of McCrory's shows take place in schools in Northern Ireland, but he will tour a show across the Republic this November as part of Science Week. "We are keen to support the increased emphasis being given to science education in the south and in the future we hope to organise tour weeks throughout Ireland," he says.

Two lectures have been scheduled at the RDS concert hall, each with its own content relevant to the age groups attending. Both take place on Tuesday May 3rd. The 10am lecture suits 5th and 6th class primary pupils. The noon lecture is geared towards secondary students in the junior cycle, years one through three.

• Tickets for the lecture cost €2 per student and early booking is advised as there are only 450 places available per lecture. Contact Ciaran Byrne at the RDS to make a booking by phone on 01-2407217 or by e-mail at ciaran.byrne@rds.ie.