Talks and shows

Science wizard bootcamp

An afternoon of interactive science wizardry and fun!

Image credit: Midnight Science Club

Get ready for a thrilling live science event designed specifically for curious young minds!

To be a science wizard, you don’t need a laboratory filled with fancy equipment, in fact, many of the world’s most famous scientists made great discoveries and inventions using common, everyday items.

During this interactive science show, Prof Jake "Wizard IV" Jacobs will show you the basics of scientific thinking in an immersive way, with plenty of exciting science demonstrations that are sure to blow your mind! Featuring live science activities with audience participation, Jake's presentation will lead you on a journey of discovery, showing you how to think like a scientist by using the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. How can you move a heavy weight without touching it? How can you make materials dissapear as if by magic? How can you levitate objects in mid air? Jake will show you how simple scientific skills can transform you into a science wizard!

Expect laughs, excitement and plenty of interesting science along the way.



This event is particularly suitable for ages 7+. As with all our family theatre talks, this event is designed to be enjoyed by adults and children together. All young people under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by a paying adult and those aged 4 and above need a ticket to attend.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.30pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

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.

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.

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. 

Event terms and conditions