2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES learning

Explore the CHRISTMAS LECTURES further with these exciting activities, great for both schools and families.

Sue Black in the Ri library holding up an Agatha Christie book
Paul Wilkinson

The CHRISTMAS LECTURES were introduced nearly 200 years ago, when there was little formal education for children, making them an important opportunity for learning at the time. Today we are building on that history by taking the Lectures from the Ri Theatre and into homes and schools all around the country.

Online Q&A and the Ri’s schools debate kits

Explore the CHRISTMAS LECTURES further with these exciting activities, great for both schools and families.

The CHRISTMAS LECTURES were introduced nearly 200 years ago, when there was little formal education for children, making them an important opportunity for learning at the time. Today we are building on that history by taking the Lectures from the Ri Theatre and into homes and schools all around the country.

Online Q&A and the Ri’s schools debate kits

Shortly after the 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES have been broadcast, we’ll open our online Q&A with the scientists featured in the Lectures, and other experts in forensic science.

Organised in partnership with the team at 'I’m a scientist get me out of here', this student-led enrichment activity gives those aged 10-18 the opportunity to connect directly with experts from crime detection, academia and industry, on the subject of this year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES

And then in the Spring, we’ll launch our sixth debate kit for schools, with a thought-provoking and engaging question focused on an element of the 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES.

In 2017 we asked if our smart phones should always be listening, while last year we asked if all were treated fairly during the pandemic? Whatever the 2022 question, our debate kits use characterisation and supporting materials to help students to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to adopt a ‘position’ and the confidence to voice an opinion.

And finally, look out for our new CHRISTMAS LECTURES resources packs currently being developed in partnership with STEM Learning.

The Ri Youth Summit

Ri Youth Summit is a facilitated discussion developed in partnership with the team at I’m a scientist, get me out of here.

In 2022 we are holding an online Summit on Wednesday 2 November and another in-person at the Ri on Monday 14 November.

Students at the Ri Youth Summit will watch videos from experts and explore forensic science and its use in our criminal justice system. 

They will have the chance to vote for what they feel are the most important messages that come up in their discussions, with the conclusions shared with Professor Dame Sue Black, in turn helping her to include the thoughts of students from around the country into her 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES.

To find out more and to give your students the chance to directly contribute to the 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES, contact youthsummit@ri.ac.uk

The Ri Youth Summit is the ideal event for any student with interests across the sciences, social sciences and humanities, giving them a fun education enrichment opportunity.

Develop your students' critical thinking skills in conversations centred around the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system. Your students will engage in stimulating peer-to-peer discussions with other young people throughout the day.

How safe are convictions based on forensic evidence?

Should juries be trained on how to correctly interpret evidence given?

Has the media had a negative effect on how we view the world of forensics?