RETIRED SHOWS
‘School of Water Wizardry’ We danced as water molecules, forming ice and explaining density; We proved teachers wrong by taking water sub-zero; We stretched, bent and split water. When we were ready, we took it apart and blew it up! Everyone graduated.
‘From Plate to Poo’ was exactly the journey it sounded like! ‘Not into mushrooms? Sick of sprouts? Always finding sweetcorn when you haven’t eaten any? We busted some guts myths and unravelled some bowels secrets, complete with experiments you could try on your family. We learned dinner time facts way more disgusting than sprouts and mushrooms!
‘Why Do We Do That?’ brought the experience of the greatest hits of psychology and neuroscience to the audience. It covered attention, influence, social psychology, biopsychology and neuroimaging in a practical way.
‘Under Pressure’ brought levitation, implosions, explosions and rockets demostrations for people to take part in.
‘Subliming the Ridiculous’ celebrated the move from alchemy to chemistry, disproving the four classical Greek elements; earth, air, fire and water. It covered: turning copper into ‘gold’, the scientific method, drawing a vacuum, starting fire with air pressure, burning wire wool to form new compounds, identifying acids, making and burning hydrogen, splitting water in two.
‘Half Baked Heroes’ shared the chemistry, physics and biology of everyday items found in the pantry. It covered: miraculin and taste receptors, pineapple and enzymes, the gases in prepackaged food, making gases including hydrogen explosion, supercooling water, whipping up marmite, non-newtonian fluids – custard and ketchup. Classic ‘do this at home’ kind of science for show offs and know it alls.
THE JOURNAL
This journal only covers the events that Jon did in his freelance capacity. When he’s not doing these shenanigans for himself, he’s working for other people doing something they want him to do.
2023
14th NOVEMBER 2023 – OTLEY SCIENCE FESTIVAL, YORKSHIRE
Took Ghosts in the Machines to the wonderful Otley Courthouse for an amazing audience. Concluded a good year for ghostbusting. Oh, and yes, the Otley Courthouse is haunted apparently. Check out the Stage right, downstage corner. Strange EMF and also funky images from the SLS equipment. (If I could add a **wink** emoji, I would.)
30th JUNE & 1st JULY, 2023 – SUTTON, LONDON
Busked for two days and delivered Ghosts in the Machines for the Sutton team at their super-sized STEAM event this year.
18th JUNE, 2023 – GREAT EXHIBITION ROAD, LONDON
First time busking at this mammoth event. Provided entertainment to huge queues of families just wanting to get their hands on some strawberry DNA. The rain didn’t arrive until 10 minutes before the end. Didn’t we do well?!
11th JUNE, 2023 – CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Returned to the festival with Dr Sarah Bearchell to join in presenting her new show all about air. The audience had some industrial sized wind, in a good way, of course.
18th – 20th MAY, 2023 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Finally back in full flow after a COVID hiatus. Brought my whole new show to the people of Preston, and had the biggest public audiences I’ve ever had.
28th MARCH, 2023 – ICC, BIRMINGHAM
Presented a training session at the British Society of Animal Science’s conference. As part of the Developing Talent in Science Communication section, ’Those Who Can, Talk’ guided researchers though the steps to prepare, deliver and evaluate the all essential public engagement component of their work.
16th MARCH, 2023 – EMMANUEL CENTRE, LONDON
Back with the team for more ‘Physics in Action’. Battled a teachers’ strike and a train strike to reach an audience of about 600, all became a virtual MRI scanner as we acted out nuclear precessing.
2022
28th NOVEMBER, 2022 – WARWICK ARTS CENTRE
Joined the Education in Action team to present some ‘Physics in Action’, reprising my ‘Fifty Shades of Grey Matter’ talk. We took a historical journey of the study of electrophysiology, the melting pot where biology, chemistry and physics collide in the crucible of applied engineering. The science is simple, yet its application has led us to astounding truths about ourselves.
19th OCTOBER, 2022 – HOLYWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL
Spent the day volunteering with Merck, explaining how the biome is made up of organisms and can influence how we live. It was nice to get back to some microbiology. You can check out a glimpse on my Instagram channel.
15th OCTOBER, 2022 – CHELMSFORD SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Debuted a new show, bringing an air of theatricality to the festival. It looked at how technology is used and misunderstood by ghost hunters. It’s called ‘Ghosts in the Machines’. Sure, we had tech issues, but we got there in the end.
7th OCTOBER, 2022 – MALVERN FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION
Oh yes, a little standup comedy the evening before the festival began. Joined for LOL. Sure, I was at the festival on the Saturday, and being all grown up and everything, but it really kicked off the night before.
16th & 17th JULY, 2022 – MEDWAY GAMING AND CREATIVE FESTIVAL, KENT
Fourteen short shows repeated in blocks over two days of a gaming festival. I pandered to the competitiveness of visitors, pitting them against each other in science matters in the arena of Ultimate Science Battles. Details are here.
9th JULY, 2022 – SCIFEST, WOLVERHAMPTON
After way too long, SciFest was up and running again, and I’ll be busked there on the Family Day. Come along. Full details of activities might still be found on their website.
2nd JULY, 2022 – COCOMAD FESTIVAL
We fought off the rain to bring busking to the best, free, community festival in Birmingham. Began with bubbles and worked our way through a diverse array of scientist and engineers to discover what they did. Details are here.
9th & 11th JUNE, 2022 – CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Returned both to Cheltenham and also to working with my long term collaborator, Sarah Bearchell. Yes, it was time to bring the Cloud Factory to the festival. Check out the programme here.
2021
Let’s be honest, it’s been pretty strange not being able to able to do stage show during the COVID19 pandemic, but in the big scheme of things, its been a small price to pay to know that my friends and fellow freelance science performers have been able to survive the last two years without having to compete too much for work. I managed to make a few videos; you can find them on my YouTube channel, so check out the Gallery. Let’s just move on with 2022, shall we.
14th DECEMBER, 2021 – UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Delivered two Christmas lectures for the University of Birmingham, all based around the hidden clues to the engineering that has gone to make your typical festive food.
12th MAY, 2021 – PENKRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
A very special day! I’m actually going into a school to deliver sessions. It’s been way too long and I’m itching to get back to some sort of chaotic normal, so don’t go easy on me, year 7!
12th MARCH 2021 – COTTERIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL, VIRTUAL
Great online sessions! Introducing chemical engineering to six year olds. Never underestimate just how quick their minds work.
10th MARCH 2021 – SANDWELL ACADEMY, VIRTUAL
Opening the schools for British Science Week brought me opportunity to deliver two virtual sessions for students excited to be back in the classroom. Invisible engineering in food processing being the order of the day.
2020
21st NOVEMBER 2020 – STEM SPECTACULAR, ONLINE
Joined the STEM Response Team from the University of Wolverhampton and the Association of Science Educators for a Saturday STEM Spectacular! All details were here: www.ase.org.uk/events/saturday-stem-spectacular
5th & 6th SEPTEMBER 2020 – KIDSFEST, SHREWSBURY
An event that might actually go ahead! Wow, I know! With the UCS team, sharing some great hands-on activities. More details to follow… about how this was cancelled too. Sorry.
18th JULY 2020 – SUTTON VIRTUAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL, ONLINE
4th JULY 2020 – COCOMAD FESTIVAL, ONLINE
We still had a party, but not in the same room. Joined many researchers online to present science secrets with people attending the Cotteridge Community Music, Arts and Dance festival. It’s a special day for #BrumSciComm, because now we are six. Check out what we did here.
11th JULY 2020 – SCIFEST, WOLVERHAMPTON
This one has gone as well now. Starting to think this year isn’t going to happen, right? Yeah, me too. Let’s restart this level and begin next year.
27th JUNE 2020 – MALVERN SCIENCE IN THE PARK, ONLINE
Dropped in a last minute video contribution to this online festival, ‘Why Do We Breathe?’ You’ll find the video in the Gallery page, and also on my YouTube channel. Check out the programme for the day here.
25th to 27th JUNE 2020 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL, PRESTON
Cancelled due to COVID-19. The debut of a very different science show, aimed at those who are not scienctists. A theatre piece exploring what switches us on to ‘doing science’ and building our sense of wonder. Welcome to the ‘Little Big Show’!
11th to 14th MARCH 2020 – CLOUD FACTORY, BIG BANG FAIR, BIRMINGHAM
Cancelled, sorry. Sadly, due to concerns over transmission of COVID-19, Sarah Bearchell and me did not get to shower you with science and clouds. We fully understand the stance taken by the organisers and hope everyone remains in good health.
19th to 21st FEBRUARY 2020 – SMASHFEST, DEPTFORD
A monumental return of the interactive Space Plague activity, a full immersive experience with actors and scientists. Joined the Smashfest team, the British Ecological Society and others from Middlesex University, bringing science for you around the Deptford Lounge.
12th FEBRUARY 2020 – NATIONAL COAL MINING MUESUM, WAKEFIELD
Went to deliver busker training to staff and volunteers at the museum as they prepare for science week. A wonderfully rich team with skills in engineering, mining practice and theatre. I suggest you visit.
14th JANUARY 2020 – BIG LITTLE EVENT, BMI, BIRMINGHAM
Delivered training for the STEM Communicators Network SciComm Primer. Between us we covered everything from inclusivity, presentation skills and careers. Full details here: https://www.big.uk.com/Little2020
2019
23rd NOVEMBER 2019 – CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, LONDON
Joined the fab Successful Sutton team for a celebratory day of Willy Wonka themed pantomime, live music and dance, a golden ticket trail and of course, me! You couldn’t miss me; I was the oompa loompa busking in Sutton High Street wearing 400 fairy lights.
14th NOVEMBER 2019 – OTLEY SCIENCE FESTIVAL, WEST YORKSHIRE
Graduated another three classes from the School of Water Wizardry. Had lovely key stage 1 and 2 audiences who stretched water, froze it, bend it, split it and blew it up. And most of them managed to stay dry… mostly.
29th OCTOBER 2019 – GIFFARD ARMS, WOLVERHAMPTON
This time, me and Martin Khechara didn’t blow anything up, showered people in confetti or grabbed sneaky snapshots of their uvula. We just wanted to talk with you. As part of the ‘Funny Things’ comedy festival we were unleashed from the constraints of making learning fluffy for younger ones so you could experience the dark and iffy subjects we like to joke about. Tickets £6. #WeComeInPeace
3rd AUGUST 2019 – THINKTANK, BIRMINGHAM
Joined the ChemBam team from the University of Birmingham to provide some sensory science especially for visually impaired visitors.
20th & 21st JULY 2019 – BRADFORD SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Two days with the SmashFestUK crew in an immersive experience. A meteor has crashed into the mirror pool at Bradford City Centre, bringing with it space plague, spreading rapidly through the population. Our intrepid survivors must find the source of the spread of the disease and decide on a plan of action to save the city!
12th JULY 2019 – BIG BANG, SUTTON HIGH STREET, LONDON
I registered my desire to go and busk in Sutton High Street, as part of the Big Bang event. Last year was beautiful and bright; wishing for the same again. Certainly was!
5th & 6th JULY 2019 – WOLVERHAMPTON SCIFEST
Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of landing on the moon. Primary day is Friday and family day is Saturday. I’ll be here… that’s in Wolverhampton, not on the moon, obviously.
27th to 29th JUNE 2019 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Catch the new show, The Science of Food, from Plate to Poo! I’m looking forward to being disgusting with all the wonderful primary schools from the region. If you want to be repulsed, you are all welcome on Saturday as it’s family day.
6th to 10th MAY 2019 – UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
We’ve got a full week to create a bunch of short videos to highlight the hottest topics in biomedical science. It’s a race against time with such a lot to learn.
22nd MARCH 2019 – UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
We covered how to strategically reach a lay audience. We unpacked a simple method for communicating with the right people in the right way. Glad you brought your creative sense with you.
2nd MARCH 2019 – MALVERN FESTIVAL OF IDEAS
You would have find me at the Malvern Cube, where we all made emulsion paint and created a ‘masterpiece’. It was a hands on workshop for children and parents. We made quite a mess. Glad we put the tarp down.
24th JANUARY 2019 – THE BIG ‘LITTLE’ EVENT, THINKTANK, BIRMINGHAM
Want a go at delivering a demo and learn scicomm skills? Then come to this wonderful primer course, produced by BIG, the STEM Communicators Network. I’ll be putting you through your paces in a fun way.
12th JANUARY 2019 – ASE CONFERENCE FAMILY FESTIVAL
Enjoyed busking alongside the STEM Response Team from the University of Wolverhampton, researchers from University of Birmingham and friend, Abbie Tutt from Warwick University.
2018
18th DECEMBER 2018 – BIRMINGHAM REGIONAL LEGO LEAGUE
MC’d the regional finals for the FIRST Lego League event at the university of Birmingham. This annual competition promotes STEM subjects in schools, encouraging children to learn new skills and to introduce them to concepts of engineering.
14th DECEMBER 2018 – UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
Think communication is a soft skill? This hot topic session will argue the value of effective communication in changing policy and lives. We’ll draw on recent examples and challenge our perceptions.
15th NOVEMBER 2018 – WORLDSKILLS UK LIVE, NEC, BIRMINGHAM
Joined the Department for Transport team to chat with delegates about engineering and delivering People Like Me sessions to encourage young women to find their engineering strengths.
14th JULY 2018 – THE BIG BANG LONDON FAMILY DAY
The centre of Sutton was transformed into a science trail leading you from the station to Sutton Grammar School. I busked in Sutton High Street, near Waterstones. Full details are here.
6th & 7th JULY 2018 – WOLVERHAMPTON SCIENCE FESTIVAL
With the festival focussing on primary children and families, I joined science magician Matt Pritchard, award winning primary teacher Jules Pottle and reprised the Cloud Factory with Sarah Bearchell.
28th to 30th JUNE 2018 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL, PRESTON
An absolutely epic three days at this brilliant festival where we graduated nine classes of the Jon Wood School of Water Wizardry. We threw snowballs, had a water fight and the best primary audiences ever!
25th JUNE to 16th JULY 2018 – BASKERVILLE SCHOOL
As part of my BOM fellowship, I’ll be trialling some different approaches to key stage 3 science. I’m going to be working with kids with autism, teaching physics through art.
10th MAY 2018 – HOBART HIGH SCHOOL, NORFOLK
Delivered the Community Science Lecture for pupils and the local community. The kids in this school and the local community are really lucky to have such great stuff made available for them via the dedication of the school.
5th MAY 2018 – MALVERN FESTIVAL OF IDEAS
The theme was conflict, so my workshops examined stories of famous science arguments and invited visitors to pit their design skills against each other in a ‘Flight-off’. Storm Emma meant we had to reschedule from early March.
25th APRIL 2018 – NOTTINGHAM DTP CONFERENCE
A workshop all about how to present your science to researchers at the BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership conference at the University of Nottingham.
20th APRIL 2018 – SCIENCE BUSKER TRAINING, BIRMINGHAM
Delivering training to the science busking team ahead of the Pint of Science festival pouring into Birmingham in May.
14th to 17th MARCH 2018 – BIG BANG FAIR, NEC, BIRMINGHAM
It’s always an epic celebration of STEM at this huge event. Brought Chemical Engineering students from the University of Birmingham for Sarah Bearchell and I, so we could put them through a scicomm and presentation drill.
12th MARCH 2018 – TETTENHALL WOOD SCHOOL, WOLVERHAMPTON
Buddied up with Martin Khechara to deliver a day of shows at this wonderful school catering for children with autism spectrum disorders.
15th & 16th FEBRUARY 2018 – SMASHFEST, DEPTFORD
Busked science around the Albany Theatre in Deptford market and also got plenty of watery performances as we considered our world ending by flood! Roll up, Roll up for ‘Jon Wood, Water Wizard!’
17th JANUARY 2018 – BIG ‘LITTLE’ EVENT, BIRMINGHAM
Workshop on presentation skills at this brilliant scicomm primer, held in Thinktank Science Museum. These families stay together through BIG, the STEM communicator network.
2017
3rd NOVEMBER 2017 – ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS, BIRMINGHAM
Storytelling my adventures in outreach with students from Engineers Without Borders at the University of Birmingham.
2nd NOVEMBER 2017 – FUNNY THINGS COMEDY FESTVIAL, WOLVERHAMPTON
Jon and Martin Khechara, a BrumSciComm buddy performed ‘The Magical Science of the Dangerous’. Slightly anarchic demo based comedy show where the jokes were bad and the science was good.
30th AUGUST 2017 – SWYNNERTON M.O.D. TRAINING CAMP
A day of shows and activities for Staffs based cadets. Let’s see who I can find to set fire too. Will be bringing some more busking elements too.
23rd AUGUST 2017 – RAF SYERSTON
Provided activities at the National Aerospace Camp to Air Cadets. Ok, I couldn’t compete with a trip in the Chinook, but I did set fire to top brass, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE RAFR. 😀
18th and 19th JULY 2017 – BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
Spent a couple of days busking science with Medical Mavericks for the Birmingham City University Summer School.
29th JUNE to 1st JULY 2017 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
New show, ‘Under Pressure’ saw us squashing and stretching stuff, spreading it thinly and making it fit! Six shows to almost 2000 school children and about 500 family members!
27th June 2017 – UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Presented ‘Well Water, You Know?’ to nearly 600 primary school children who are looking forward to going to big school after the holidays. Plenty of water science and a some nice fire too. Everyone got a colouring in book too.
26th May 2017 – WOOLWICH, LONDON
Science busking at a special one-day event with the brilliant SmashFest crew. A wonderful day in the sun.
5th May 2017 – PINT OF SCIENCE BUSKER TRAINING
Delivered training to volunteers undertaking busking activities at the Birmingham Pint of Science events.
15th to 18th MARCH 2017 – BIG BANG FAIR, BIRMINGHAM
Four days, 55 shows including five for SEND and PMLD audiences, 20 litres of squash and 80 kilos of dry ice. An emotional and crazy time as I joined Sarah Bearchell for some sensory approaches to science lessons.
4th MARCH 2017 – MALVERN SCIENCE & FAITH FESTIVAL
The festival theme was ‘Uncertainty’ we looked at some of those things we are sure about, but that we have just a little bit wrong. ‘I Think I’m Sure’ let us question what we once thought was true. Alongside guitar physicist, Mark Lewney for the first time since 2012. Oh, some mathematician guy called Marcus Du Sautoy is coming along too; bonus.
16th & 17th FEBRUARY 2017 – SMASHFEST’S SUPERVOLCANO, DEPTFORD
‘Think You Can Survive!’ How will you mentally survive a supervolcano? This and many more activities, busking and events around Deptford as part of Smashfest.
2016
12th & 13th DECEMBER 2016 – BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY
Finished off the year with performances of ‘Why Do We Do That?’ for Christmas Lectures at the university. Full houses for two days!
29th JULY 2016 – CENTRE FOR LIFE, NEWCASTLE
To celebrate the opening of the Brain Zone, Jon performed ‘Why Do We do THAT?’ at the Friday Night Life, ‘lates’ event. Exploring several aspects of psychology let us peek at what our brains are doing when we are not paying attention. Science explains when I’m brilliant at sport, how I learned maths and why I can never play poker.
30th JUNE to 2nd JULY 2016 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Rather than set fire to myself and others, this year I returned to Preston where the theme was ‘Going Beyond’. With the show, ‘Why Do We Do That?’ we examined how we tick; what happens in our skulls when we do stuff, and how we can measure it!
27th APRIL 2016 – NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY
An afternoon chatting with researchers at the BBSRC DTP (gotta love your acronyms) Spring conference all about approaching public engagement with a playful attitude.
16th to 19th MARCH 2016 – BIG BANG FAIR, BIRMINGHAM
Joined Sarah Bearchell to bring you some mischievous matter, clouds and sciencey treats for the senses. Four days of show ran in Sarah’s SciComm Play Pen. I’ve a full report on our experience in the news archive.
5th MARCH 2016 – MALVERN SCIENCE & FAITH FESTIVAL
Shared a day with Horrible Science illustrator Tony De Saulles. Around the theme of the chemistry of compassion, I asked what makes us different from other life and what would we like to make us superhuman.
29th FEBRUARY 2016 – ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS, BIRMINGHAM
Shared my adventures in Outreach with students from Engineers Without Borders at the University of Birmingham. Storytelling from being little to now.
25th FEBRUARY 2016 – FAMELAB HEATS, CARDIFF
No, not competing… but compered the Famelab heats in Cardiff. Geekery and off-the-cuff truths and untruths behind the contestants from the South-West region.
19th and 20th FEBRUARY 2016 – SMASHFEST, DEPTFORD, LONDON
Not content with one day, I headed back to Smashfest, and spent another two days busking science to the good people there.
13th FEBRUARY 2016 – A PRELUDE TO SMASHFEST
As a prelude to Smashfest Jon headed down to Deptford, South London to drum up an appetite for some science. Guerrilla-style busking from a suitcase of science!
2015
16th AUGUST 2015 – #BRUMSCICOMM PICNIC
#BrumSciComm held it’s first anniversary in Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. We had demos and loads of entries for the BrumSciComm Big Science Bake Off. See the Facebook page to find that I came last with my cake. :-/
29th JULY to 2nd AUGUST 2015 – CBEEBIES BIG DAY OUT, WESTON SUPER MARE
Five days of sharing food science with the Furchester Hotel in collaboration with Dish Up. Joined by the fabulous Sarah Bearchell, Jules Pottle and Luiza Patorski at the Seafront, Marine Parade.
16th JULY 2015 – BIRMINGHAM BRIGHT CLUB, KINGS HEATH
A night of comedy at the intimate Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath and me experimenting with deadpan standup comedy. How do you become a science communicator? Why would you want to? How do you deal with being heckled by five year olds? Maybe I’ll tell this story again.
15th JULY 2015 – CARDIFF SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Performances of ‘Subliming The Ridiculous’ as a ChemNet event and as a public lecture. Ingenious experiments that disproved the four classical elements of the Greeks, earth, air, fire and water. A history of chemistry in demonstrations.
9th JULY 2015 – TECHNOPOP, LONDON
Supported a full day of science in Brixton by performing Half Baked Heroes to schools audiences. Spent the rest of the day sharing demonstrations of science with home educators.
25th to 27th JUNE 2015 – LANCASHIRE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Had three days at the epic #LSF15 festival with two shows day. ‘Subliming The Ridiculous’ and ‘Half Baked Heroes’ both got runs on the Main stage.
17th JUNE 2015 – SCIENCE SHOWOFF, MANCHESTER
The science of why I’m rubbish at pool and what links 21st century teaching methods with 19th century cyclists. Info here.
5th to 7th JUNE 2015 – CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Joined Fran Scott, Nate Adams, Jon Chase, Dr D, Steph Kerr and others for three days of live science. New demos and huge fun was had by all.
20th APRIL 2015 – BIG WORKSHOP, EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY
Delivered opening session on ‘Working with researchers in outreach’, discussing training and approaches for public engagement in universities.
7th MARCH 2015 – ‘BRAINS AND BOTS’ DAY, MALVERN SCIENCE AND FAITH FESTIVAL
Three neuroscience and psychology shows as part of the ‘Brains and Bots’ day. This is the first time I’ve delivered this trilogy of shows together. Take a look here for information.
5th FEBRUARY 2015 – CHEMISTRY AT WORK, THINKTANK, BIRMINGHAM
‘The Science of Fizzy Pop’ workshop to local schools. What do you mean, maths and chemistry?!? Missing Heidi from the RSC while she’s on maternity leave, this one was organised through her stuntman, Adrian, and STEMNET.
2014
10th DECEMBER 2014 – ‘SUBLIMING THE RIDICULOUS’, ASTON UNIVERSITY
Brand new chemistry show for year 8 pupil, celebrating the eve of the 350th anniversary of the ‘Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society’ in 2015.
3rd DECEMBER 2014 – STEMNET COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
Lovely evening with some really keen STEM ambassadors who wanted to stretch their presentation and activity skills.
19th NOVEMBER 2014 – COMMUNICATING SCIENCE WORKSHOP
Invited to speak with a great turnout of Biosciences students from the University of Birmingham.
10th & 11th OCTOBER 2014 – CBEEBIES, PETER PAN EVENT, SALFORD QUAYS
Dr Nate and I took to the stage and spent the days getting wet, bringing watery fun to the Splash Science tent and the CBeebies little ones.
4th OCTOBER 2014 – FUN PALACE, BIRMINGHAM
Your chance to ask questions of a scientist and have them answered. we had everything from astrophysics, biology, chemistry through to physics. See our work here.
3rd OCTOBER 2014 – MANCHESTER GIRL GEEKS
Provided an introduction to sci-comm training session to students and researchers in Manchester ahead of a joint ScienceGrrl / Manchester Girl Geek outreach event.
24th, 26th & 27th SEPTEMBER 2014 – TRUSTING ATOMS, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Four performances of ‘Trusting Atoms: The Last Trials of Lugwig Boltzmann’. A new science play written by Rowena Fletcher-Wood. More information here.
6th SEPTEMBER 2014 – ‘THROWING SPANNERS AT NANOBOTS’, BIRMINGHAM LIBRARY
Alongside co-presenter Steph Kerr we told the story of how research into future energy means tinkering with plant enzymes. The series of three shows were repeated regularly throughout the day. Part of the British Science Festival.
6th SEPTEMBER 2014 – ‘I’M A SCIENCEGRRL, TALK TO ME’, BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
The Birmingham chapter of ScienceGrrl and others from around the country invaded the City Centre representing women in STEM subjects and talking with families about why they love doing what they do and how they got into it. This was part of the British Science Festival 2014.
1st SEPTEMBER 2014 – SCIENCE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP, WARWICK UNIVERSITY
Delivered the afternoon workshop on science communication in all forms at the BBSRC funded Midlands symposium.
19th AUGUST to 13th SEPTEMBER 2014 – POP-UP PAVILIONS CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM
Spent a number of days busking science amid researchers from the University of Birmingham showcasing their work to the public. Check out the pictures in the Facebook page. Brought to you by the University of Birmingham Engage team.
15th JULY 2014 – AN UNDISCLOSED CLASSROOM IN BIRMINGHAM
Alongside chemist Rowena Fletcher-Wood and others, we staged a hold up in a classroom, equipped with weapons of mass science. Truly guerrilla science!
5th JULY 2014 – HANDSWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Honoured to be asked back to present awards to all the students who attended Saturday Science Clubs over the last year. We talked at science being for everyone.
18th & 20th JUNE 2014 – ‘THE SUNSHINE LECTURE’, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
For the second year running, I delivered the Sunshine lecture. Over 800, year 8 kids attended, all in one day. Two days later, I rerun it for another 250 year 7 kids.
12th JUNE 2014 – ENGAGEMENT WITH RESEARCH, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Delivered a workshop at the two day public engagement celebration. Tips of how to prepare and present you message and respond to your audience. A link to the event is here.
5th to 8th JUNE 2014 – BBC SCIENCE ZONE, CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Demo wrangling for a third year, provided science explanations in little chunks, not just for entertainment but for you to learn something wonderful from. With old friends and new.
2nd MAY 2014 – SCIENCE COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE, GUILDFORD
Joined an audience led, panel discussion with Corrinne Burns, Suze Kundu, Heather Williams and Laurie Winkless about best practice for science communicators when representing women.
4th APRIL 2014 – THE MAMMAL SOCIETY, ASTON UNIVERSITY, BIRMINGHAM
As part of the student conference at the 50th Mammal Society Conference, Jon delivered a workshop on the ‘Planning, Presenting and Promoting of Public Engagement’.
30th APRIL 2014 – SCIENCE SHOWOFF, GUILDFORD
Expect the audience to be dancing at the British Science Association, Science Communication Conference on Wednesday night. Tickets here.
26th MARCH 2014 – BRIGHT CLUB, BIRMINGHAM REP THEATRE
In the spirit of a cathartic amnesty, Jon came clean regarding his heinous crimes committed against fruit flies while being a scientist. He had been the executioner, the jury faced his stand up comedy. Line up here.
18th MARCH 2014 – THE MARKET BOSWORTH SCHOOL, LEICESTERSHIRE
A little rocketry for the juniors and some chemical engineering for the seniors.
14th to 16th MARCH 2014 – BIG BANG FAIR
Fran Scott of CBBC’s Absolute Genius, Nathan Adams, Jon Chase and me presented the science behind what makes the BBC’s programmes look brilliant. Science so fast we have to slow it down for you, and so invisible we use IR cameras to reveal it.
13th MARCH 2014 – NATIONAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING COMPETITION, BIRMINGHAM
I helped judge the student projects at the NSEC, held at the Big Bang Fair, as part of National Science and Engineering Week. Those kids had big brains!
22nd FEBRUARY 2014 – SCIENCE SHOWOFF, BIRMINGHAM
An evening of 8 minute chunks of ‘space-themed’ science in the Studio theatre at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Jon joined friends from all over the Midlands to showoff to present our topics. Info from The Rep.
5th FEBRUARY 2014 – CHEMISTRY AT WORK, BIRMINGHAM
Excitable school groups + chemistry = all day fun. Contact the Royal Society of Chemistry, contact EIC to get in on the next one.
21st JANUARY 2014 – BORDESLEY GREEN GIRLS SCHOOL
Out with STEMNET to help inspire the regional network of teachers running STEM clubs with some new activities and ideas. A chance for all to share.
18th JANUARY 2014 – FAMELAB HEATS, THINKTANK, BIRMINGHAM
No, not as competitor, but judged the regional heats and finals. It was a full afternoon and evening of Birmingham’s researchers, with something new to share about their research. Well done to winner Dr Vikki Burns, and wild-card Joanna Bagniewska.
9th JANUARY 2014 – UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Contributed demonstrations to a STEMNET session on development of STEM clubs for teachers attending the annual conference for the Association of Science Educators (ASE)
2013
6th DECEMBER 2013 – SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY
Presenting new demos and stories with Dr Nathan Adams at the ScienceBrainwave Christmas Lecture, ‘Throwing Spanners at Nanobots’. Expect explosions, my DNA on display, some early snow and, oh yes, spanners being thrown at nanobots.
6th SEPTEMBER 2013 – SHEFFIELD WINTER GARDENS
An explosive twist on some of our favourite science demonstrations for Fright Night, with Nate Adams. Huge crowds and more than a handful of zombies, provided by Professor Vanessa. We sacrificed a lot of large, orange veg, some of which had holes blown out of them.
6th SEPTEMBER 2013 – BBC IMAGINARIUM, MEDIA CITY.
Performed a ‘secret gig’ for executives of the BBC at Media City in Salford as part of their Imaginarium series. Worked up new treatments for some favourite science demonstrations with Nate Adams and Andrew Smith.
16th to 18th AUGUST 2013 – GREEN MAN FESTIVAL, WALES
Opened the Solar Stage in Einsteins Garden at the festival, with some kitchen based science, ‘Half-Baked Heroes’. Jon also delivered his debut Science Showoff session on Saturday. Photos are here.
10th to 11th AUGUST 2013 – EDINBURGH FESTIVAL
Joined fellow presenters Nate Adams, Vicki Dennison, Andrew Smith, to bring interactive science as the next stop of the Absolute Genius roadshow at the Edinburgh Festival.
25th to 27th JULY 2013 – CBBC LIVE IN LEEDS
Jon and fellow science presenters spent three days in Leeds bringing science on behalf of Absolute Genius and CBBC. 38500 people came to experience Wild!, Absolute Genius, CBBC and CBeebies all in Millennium Square and beyond. Photos are here.
19th JUNE 2013 – SUNSHINE LECTURE, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Jon delivered the Sunshine lecture, ‘Half-Baked Heroes’ at University of Birmingham, sharing the science found in the kitchen to 1000 school children in one day.
7th to 9th JUNE 2013 – CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Jon once again presented science for BBC Learning in Imperial Square, Cheltenham. A full four days of science demonstrations from everyday things. Photos are here.
11th JUNE 2013 – CADBURY SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
Shone a light into the minds of students on things they have never noticed before. What’s in your head?
21st MARCH 2013 – WEST MALLING NADFAS
Delivered a study day on the links between art and science. How have artists portrayed science through history? What is accomplished when artists and scientists work collaboratively? And what happens when scientists examine art? Full of science demonstration and hands-on art creation, with more than 70 participants.
26th FEBRUARY 2013 – WOLVERHAMPTON U3A
Always a pleasure to speak to to to this wonderful group of people with wide ranging backgrounds. The ever winding story of Mr Smith’s investigations into the early experiments in photography of the Lunar men, encouraged many questions.
5th FEBRUARY 2013 – CHEMISTRY AT WORK
An event provided by the Royal Society of Chemistry at the Thinktank Science Museum in Birmingham. Jon’s activities focussed on generating hydrogen using items in the home, plastic cups, drawing pins and baking soda. All the teams did beautifully and had a great time.
2012
7th DECEMBER 2012 – WOODS WORLD OF WONDERS
Launched new aspect of JonWoodScience with a repeat of the Greatest Smell on Earth courtesy of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Hereford Sixth Form College. Check out the gallery for Heidi’s pictures of the event and the www.woodsworldofwonders.com website for a flavour. Photos are here.
7th NOVEMBER 2012 – COCKSHUT HILL COLLEGE
Talked to year 12 and 13 psychology students at Cockshut Hill College. I had a bag full of activities to try on them, even had them dancing. It’s a funny world, science.
28th SEPTEMBER 2012 – ‘URBAN VEG’
Brought some fruity science to the ‘Urban Veg’ launch event, part of the city-wide day of events for ‘Brum Dine With Me’, at Winterbourne House and Garden, Birmingham. BBC Gardeners World presenter Alys Folwer attended.
29th AUGUST 2012 – ‘THE ONE SHOW’ ROADSHOW
Jon joined fellow buskers in demonstrating some hands-on homemade science for visitors to the BBC’s One Show LIVE event at Endcliffe Park, Sheffield. Check out pictures on the gallery page. Photos are here.
26th JUNE 2012 – BIG BANG WEST MIDLANDS FAIR
Joined the Royal Society of Chemistry for a short while to demonstrate some kitchen chemistry. Best quote of the day was, “This is the best day at school EVER!”
21st JUNE 2012 – SCI-TECH CONFERENCE, REDDITCH
Opened the Sci-Tech conference for North East Worcestershire College in Redditch demonstrating resonance and the role it plays in neuroscience. Other guest was Mark Lewney, Guitar Physicist. More information can be found courtesy of the Redditch Advertiser.
14th to 17th JUNE 2012 – CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Appeared at the Cheltenham Science Festival for the first time and was found to be busking in the BBC Science Zone, located in the Imperial Square. There will be a full reflection in the news archive. Photos are here.
28th MAY 2012 – NEWMAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, BIRMINGHAM
Joined the judging panel at the Newman University Citizenship Awards, where the panel judged group presentations from all the schools. It was deservedly won by Windsor High School who provided an excellent recycling scheme for their school.
12th to 15th APRIL 2012 – INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH
Worked alongside BBC team to deliver elements of the Bang Goes The Theory stage show and spent three days busking at Dr. Yan’s table. Check out the pictures in the gallery page or the videos on my YouTube Channel.
29th MARCH 2012 – A/A* CONFERENCE, BROMSGROVE SCHOOL
Demonstrated how neuroscientists use physics to look at the brain and brain activity to pupils from St Augustine’s High School, Alcester Grammar and Woodrush High School. Other speakers were representatives from the Physics Factory. Media articles featured in the Redditch Standard and the Chamber of Commerce ‘Business Direction’.
26th MARCH 2012 – HEARTLANDS ACADEMY, BIRMINGHAM
Careers engagement opportunity for the pupils of Heartlands Academy. Team building, GCSE options and careers ‘speed dating’.
22nd MARCH 2012 – TITAN SCIENCE FAIR, BIRMINGHAM
Celebrated the project work of the schools in the Titan Partnership. Wonderfully enthusiastic pupils demonstrating their science to all. Presented psychology with STEMnet ambassador Lizzie Sanders and final year student Abbie Jones, both from Aston University.
16th & 17th MARCH 2012 – BIG BANG FAIR, BIRMINGHAM NEC
Appeared as a STEMnet ambassador on the BBC Bang Goes The Theory interactive area. Spent some great time working with Sarah Cruddas, teaching the science and skills of weather forecasting to hundreds of young visitors.
15th MARCH 2012 – BIG BANG FAIR, BIRMINGHAM NEC
Demonstrating change blindness with colleagues from the psychology programme at Aston University. Stand provided in association with the British Psychological Society, who were celebrating the origins of Psychology.
14th MARCH 2012 – KING EDWARDS VI, SHELDON HEATH ACADEMY
Request by the Physics Factory to deliver an interactive workshop on the history of electrophysiology for the year 10 and 11 pupils of the school. EEG demonstration always popular.
8th MARCH 2012 – MATHS BUSKING, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Spent the day with the Maths Busking team getting some hands on fun with friends. A great way to start National Science & Engineering Week. A great training and development opportunity for people needing to do different public engagement.
23rd FEBRUARY 2012 – LUNAR SOCIETY LECTURE, THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM
Delivered the lecture, ‘From Leonardo to You – The Links Between Art and Science’ with Sally Hoban to the Lunar Society. It focussed on the symbiotic relationships of artists and scientists through history and advocated a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
22nd FEBRUARY 2012 – AIM HIGHER PARTNERSHIP FOR WEST MIDLANDS
Good to have representatives from all the local universities forming the partnership along with STEMnet and local schools. Jon spoke about the benefits of schools engaging with STEMnet and why ambassadors volunteer.
2011
17th & 18th NOVEMBER 2011 – HOW SCIENCE WORKS, BIRMINGHAM
The History of Electricity in Medicine session gets a first run at the schools event. Eight schools get the opportunity to experience a mixture of science and history.