Discourses

Discourse: Back to Faraday: The future of science education

Image credit: Midnight Science Club

Science education has been struggling in recent years, with many educators and scientists recognizing that current methods may not be preparing young people for the modern world. Join Prof. Steve ‘Jake’ Jacobs to explore one way to fix this problem in an interactive, demonstration filled Discourse. Jake’s work takes inspiration from the pioneering work of Michael Faraday, showcasing how practical hands-on science, without the need for expensive equipment, holds the key to reigniting a passion for science.

Jake will demonstrate how, using nothing more than things you can find around the house, you can create remarkably simple, yet stunningly revealing science demonstrations. He will demonstrate many of these during this Discourse: firing smoke rings across the theatre, moving heavy objects with static electricity, making matter magically disappear, and even igniting a 100 foot tube filled with flammable gas! These activities unlock the secrets of the natural world while honing critical thinking skills. More than educational, these activities stimulate an eager interest in pursuing a life of science learning.

Endorsed by the UN, the qualities of these demonstrations are rooted in the Royal Institution's rich history. Over two hundred years ago, pioneering scientist Michael Faraday began this approach, inspiring and educating generations of students with live science demonstrations. Now, Jake and his team continue this tradition, exhibiting captivating science phenomena with exciting hands-on science.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Prof. Steve ‘Jake’ Jacobs

Prof. Steve ‘Jake’ Jacobs, is an accomplished scientist, educator, author, international media personality with advanced degrees in mathematics and chemistry. He has built a career out of making science fun and accessible. The former chief scientist of television’s Discovery Channel, Jake has written and presented a series for the Discovery Channel, and also for National Geographic TV and Fox Television where he was the creator and on-air host of the series Jake’s Attic.

As well as over 15 years of classroom teaching & administration, he also has a wealth of experience in science communication. He is Director of Science Education at Children’s Museum of Wichita & Mr. Wizard Studio, Hollywood, as well as Science consultant to Disney, National Public Radio (NPR), the Smithsonian, PBS, Nickelodeon, Paramount Television and FOX Television.



Jake is known in the US as Wizard IV, a title inherited from his predecessors: television’s Mr Wizard, Don Herbert (Wizard III), Hubert Alyea of Princeton University (Wizard II), and the inspirational leader of all science communication wizards, the Royal Institution’s very own Michael Faraday. Jake is currently participating in a worldwide hunt for Wizard V, an aim he wishes to achieve through aim encouraging the next generation to acquire skills enabling them to ‘think as a scientist’, and to apply those skills in everyday living.

Timing

Doors to the Theatre will open at about 6.50pm.

All attendees must be seated in the Theatre by 7.20pm. The Discourse will start promptly at 7.30pm.

A Pay Bar will be available from 6.00pm. It will open again after the talk, until 9.30pm.

 

More about Discourses

Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the leading-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

Find out more about the history of the Friday Evening Discourses on our blog.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions