A day of Exploding Custard science shows and bubble mayhem in the playground
The inspirational ‘Exploding Custard’ science-show has been presented by award-winning science communicator Ian Russell for over 30 years! It is a spectacular, lively, and light-hearted sharing of more experiments than you’ll be able to remember. All of them use everyday materials and familiar household objects. Most can easily be repeated afterwards.
This is Ian’s most popular show and with it he has delighted countless audiences in at least fifteen countries around the world since his first ‘custard explosion’ back in 1990. He was a recipient of the 2019 Beetlestone Award for leadership and legacy in informal science learning.
Fast-moving and hilariously informal, the Exploding Custard show encourages children’s curiosity, motivates them to experiment and empowers them to think creatively.
Young audiences leave every Exploding Custard show buzzing with excitement, curiosity and motivation to learn. Usually, Year 6 pupils stay for an additional half hour of lively questions, answers and additional demonstrations.
Teachers are given many ideas for simple science demonstrations and gain confidence to use them in future science lessons.
To book this activity, please contact:Ian Russell
07771 762511
ian@interactives.co.uk
https://www.interactives.co.uk/
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How to take part/get started
Timings. I need at least a full hour and a half to set up the show. I usually aim to arrive around 8am, to be ready for the first show by 10.00am. I need three good-sized tables to be set up and ready for me before I arrive, with a mains power socket within reach of my extension lead. If I am to end with the (optional) Exploding Custard demonstration which gives the show its name, you need to be aware that the brief flash may trigger any fire alarm sensors in the same room. There is no smoke. More information about this is included in the Risk Assessment.
I can be flexible but it is normally a full one-hour show, not including the time taken for children to assemble and depart. Often, the first show is for KS1 with a repeat show for KS2 after lunch. I strongly suggest that year six children stay behind at the end of their show, for a question-and-answer session and some extra demonstrations. You might think this is too long for a session, but trust me it works wonderfully well. I can also go out into the playground to cause total bubble mayhem whenever you think it appropriate. For safety, my equipment on the tables must be permanently supervised or the room locked when I am not there.
There are illustrated examples of my shows and other science communication work on my website.
Email me for further information or, preferably, phone me for a chat about your requirements.
| Published | 15 September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Last modified | 15 September 2023 |
| Nature of scheme | In-school visit |
| Subject(s) | STEM Clubs, Science, Biology, Physics, Practical work, Demonstrations, Chemistry |
| Category | Indoor Activity |
| Age | 4-5, 5-7, 7-11 |
| Running times | A day |
| Cost | £500 |
| Risk assessment | Yes |