Skip to main content
  • What's on
  • Learning
  • Explore science
  • Christmas Lectures
  • Visit
  • Support us
  • About us
Become an Ri Member
Become an Ri Member
a small boy holds a small piece of cardboard shaped like a boat
Chemistry

Soap powered boats

Make soap powered boats and learn how soap affects the way water molecules hold onto each other.

Soap powered boats Read more
a young boy and his mother sitting at a table with a teacandle in the middle
Chemistry

Candle chemistry

Experiment with the chemistry of candles and make a flame jump through the air.

Candle chemistry Read more
two young girls leaning over a table looking at an unpeeled egg floating in a glass jar
Chemistry

Eggsperiments

Make an uncooked egg bounce.

Eggsperiments Read more
a woman and two toung girls laughing and doing a science experiment with felt tip pens, kitchen paper and water
Chemistry

Colour quest

Discover the hidden colours in ink.

Colour quest Read more
young girl in red dress holding two wooden spoons and some string tied in a loose circle around them from which emerges a giant bubble
Chemistry

Giant bubbles

Learn why bubbles are always round and find out how to make giant bubbles with a couple of wooden spoons and some string.

Giant bubbles Read more
red curly haired young girl smiles to the camera, next to her is a glass filled with oil and some red liquid
Chemistry

Homemade lava lamp

Build a homemade lava lamp and use a surprising property of citrus fruits to explore the science of floating and sinking.

Homemade lava lamp Read more
Video a white-gloved hand holding a silver dome of metal
Chemistry CHRISTMAS LECTURES Physics

Size matters – Why chocolate melts and jet planes don't (2010)

As we zoom into the microscopically small realm beneath our fingertips to explore the tiny world we have created inside mobile

Size matters – Why chocolate melts and jet planes don't (2010) Read more
Video Richard Dawkins speaking in the Ri theatre
Chemistry

Growing up in the universe – Waking up in the universe (1991)

In the first of his CHRISTMAS LECTURES, Richard Dawkins explores the origins of life. Beginning with a look at our ancestry, he

Growing up in the universe – Waking up in the universe (1991) Read more
Video George Porter speaking in the Ri theatre
Chemistry CHRISTMAS LECTURES Physics

The natural history of a sunbeam – Survival under the sun (1976)

George Porter looks at how sunlight powers sustainable energy sources.

The natural history of a sunbeam – Survival under the sun (1976) Read more
Video George Porter spinning a small golden fan in the Ri theatre
Chemistry CHRISTMAS LECTURES Physics

The natural history of a sunbeam – Making light work (1976)

Sir George Porter looks at thermodynamics and its role in helping power our lives.

The natural history of a sunbeam – Making light work (1976) Read more

Pagination

  • Previous page ‹‹
  • Page 14
  • Next page ››
Back to top

Subscribe to The Ri Newsletter

Sign up now

About the Ri

The Royal Institution is an independent charity dedicated to connecting people to the world of science.

Contact us What we do

About us    Jobs

Venue hire

Make your next event one to remember at our unique central London venue, steeped in 200 years of science history.

Find out more

Support us

Support us in our charitable mission to create opportunities for the public and scientists to explore science together.

Donate online Join the Ri

More ways to support

The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS

Find us Museum Licensing Shop

The Royal Institution of Great Britain was granted a royal charter in 1800 and is registered as a charity in England and Wales (227938).

© Royal Institution 2025
  • Terms and conditions
  • Web accessibility
  • Policies
  • Safeguarding

The CHRISTMAS LECTURES® are a registered trademark