About this day
Welcome to GCSE Science in Action!
Join us for a high-energy, inspiring day of science designed especially for KS4 students. Across five sessions, students will explore key concepts from biology, chemistry and physics, brought vividly to life by expert speakers from academia and industry. From mind-blowing demonstrations to real-world science in action, this is a chance for students to see where a future in science can take them.
A special session on exam success will help students build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their science exams. With audience participation, live demonstrations and the chance to put their questions directly to the scientists, GCSE Science in Action is the perfect way to spark curiosity in your class. Book now to secure your places!
Host: Lucy Eckersley (Science presenter) Exam Session: Leah McClure (A-level Biology Teacher)
“A good range of talks and topics that took our students beyond the curriculum, thoroughly engaging them and hopefully inspiring scientists of the future!”
— Cox Green School —
Programme & speakers
How to survive the apocalypse Lewis Dartnell, University of Westminster
Imagine you wake up tomorrow and the world as we know it has collapsed. How could you use your knowledge to survive in the post-apocalyptic wasteland? What simple chemistry would be most crucial for helping you reboot civilisation from scratch?
About Professor Lewis Dartnell
Lewis is the author of ‘THE KNOWLEDGE: How To Rebuild Our World After An Apocalypse’. He appears regularly on the BBC, National Geographic and Discovery channels.
The Chemistry Spectacular James Copeland-Jordan, Head of STEM, Cheltenham College
The Chemistry Spectacular offers a rare chance to witness experiments you have never seen before and will never see again. Whether you are a lifelong lover of science or simply curious to explore the world from a new perspective, this extraordinary event promises an unforgettable experience. From explosions to detonations to deflagrations, we will reveal the chemistry behind chemical reactions in ways you have never encountered before.
About Dr James Copeland-Jordan
James is Head of STEM at Cheltenham College and a Trustee of the Cheltenham Education Partnership. He believes the STEM battleground lies at the heart of modern life and is central to addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges: meeting growing energy demands; developing new medicines for an ageing population; tackling potable water scarcity; and ultimately sustaining a global food supply.
Seeing Jupiter’s aurora in a different light Affelia Wibisono, Science Communicator
As beautiful as the Earth’s northern and southern lights are, they can’t compete with Jupiter’s. Its aurorae dwarf our planet’s in every way and span almost every part of the electromagnetic spectrum. But what can Jupiter’s aurorae teach us about the Sun and what do they have to do with alien worlds and black holes?
About Dr Affelia Wibisono
Affelia Wibisono is a Space Physicist and Science Communicator. During their PhD, they used observations by space telescopes, such as XMM-Newton, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Juno spacecraft to investigate how and why Jupiter produces intense X-ray northern and southern lights.
Wildlife Chain Reactions Lucy Eckersley, Royal Society of Biology, Wildlife Presenter & Photographer
The natural world is in a careful balance, but climate change is about to disrupt all that. Follow food webs and trophic cascades to see what happens if remove (or add!) animals to ecosystems, and what conservation in the real world looks like.
About Lucy Eckersley
Lucy is a freelance science communicator, presenter and wildlife photographer. Her scientific background is in wild animal biology where she studied wild cats in a collaboration between the Royal Veterinary College and London Zoo.
The Science of Swimming the English Channel Anna Ploszajski, Materials Scientist, Writer and Storyteller
Join Anna as she recounts what it takes to swim the 21 miles across the English Channel, and the surprising science behind it. There will be demonstrations of explosive sugar, buoyancy effects, and the materials science of the very best swimming snacks. Isn’t it cold? What about sharks? All will be answered.
About Dr Anna Ploszajski
Anna Ploszajski is a materials scientist, author, presenter and science comedian who is on a mission to get people fascinated by the ordinary stuff which makes up the world around us. Her book Handmade tells the story of materials through their use in arts and crafts.