Exploring the World of Science Demonstrations

Welcome to another episode of The Economist's Babbage podcast. In this episode, your host Alok Jha takes you on a fascinating journey into the world of science demonstrations. Join him as he visits the prestigious Royal Institution in London to uncover the importance of these captivating experiments and the fundamental principles of physics.

Accompanying Alok on this enlightening adventure is physics teacher Alom Shaha. Together, they delve into a series of captivating experiments that bring to life concepts such as waves, electromagnetism, pressure, and chemical reactions.

Prepare to be amazed as Alom demonstrates the Jelly Baby Wave Machine, a mesmerizing experiment that reveals how waves travel through a medium. Witness the awe-inspiring collapsing can experiment, which vividly illustrates the effects of pressure. Marvel at the simple electric motor, a brilliant fusion of electricity and magnetism that produces captivating movement. And finally, be astounded by the bicarbonate vinegar rocket, a thrilling demonstration of how a chemical reaction can generate gas.

These captivating experiments serve a greater purpose - to engage people in the wonders of science and help them better understand the world around them. So, join Alok Jha and Alom Shaha on this enthralling episode of The Economist's Babbage podcast, and prepare to be inspired by the power of science demonstrations.

How much science do you remember from school? Do you know how a simple electric motor works, or what the Doppler effect is?  Basic physics is taught early in schools, but is easily forgotten. 

To learn some basic science, we travel this week to the Royal Institution (RI) in London, one of the world’s oldest and established venues for scientific education and research. It hosts the annual Christmas lectures, which have cemented its reputation for demonstrations of how science works. Good demonstrations can play a big role in making abstract science concepts come alive. 

Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor, meets author and physics teacher Alom Shaha at the RI for some summer science lessons. Alok speaks to Dan Plane, head of Demonstrations at the RI, about the institution’s history and the importance of making science fun and accessible. Alom also leads Alok through a few science demos to explore some key concepts taught in schools today. 

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