Perth's Science Ninjas, from the Scitech museum: an example of entertaining science outreach that isn't just aimed at children.
Credit: Scitech
Is science challenging? Yes. But that doesn't mean it has to be boring - like, really, really boring.
Last week was Australia's largest festival, National Science Week. I hate to admit it, but I was underwhelmed by one of the three events I attended.
Two were brilliant: lively, interesting and involving real scientists talking with passion about their work. The third was billed as a smorgasbord of science with talks and live music that looked good in the program.
But even for a fan of science like me, it was mind-numbingly dull.
For $10, you got to hear three dreary talks that ranged from an extended Wikipedia entry to a detailed scientific paper.
It ran for four hours on a weeknight, and while there was live music between talks, there was no proper food anywhere for love or money – and a glass of wine set you back $7.
Only the fourth speaker - who provided good science and performance in equal measure - saved the night from total disaster.
Interestingly, the first two events were aimed at students; the last was aimed at adults. And it's not the first time I've noticed this discrepancy.
In 2007, I spent a year learning the art of science performance while doing a graduate diploma in science communication at the Australian National University: the so-called Questacon Science Circus, where science graduates bring lively presentations to towns and schools across regional Australia.
Here is one of the secrets I learnt: kids are easy to entertain. Weird faces? Hilarious! A balloon or a fart joke? Even better!
I am not trying to take anything away from the communicators who focus on children – they are, of course, an important part of the science outreach effort.
But when kids become teenagers, they’re wise to these tricks. A fart joke? It gets the condescending look it deserves.
Perhaps it’s our fault as science communicators. We rely on the tricks and explosions – sure they’re fun, but they don’t carry much science. When kids get older, we don’t make an effort to engage them – it’s as if balloons and fart jokes are all we have.
Science is for adults too
This is an issue I've long been concerned with. Science is often targeted at kids, whether it be Nat Sci Week or new exhibitions at the museum.
Pity be the adult (like me!) who has an interest in dinosaurs and palaeontology; virtually every dinosaur exhibition in recent years has been so squarely targeted at kids that it's often ill suited for adults.
I can understand why science is targeted at kids, and I'm not suggesting there should be less aimed at kids. But there does need to be more effort to reach out to interested adults.
The Powerhouse often does good work, as do some universities, like Syd Uni with its Sydney Ideas fest. But they're rare exceptions.
On a related note, it may have something to do with science education. Science in primary school is interactive and fun - around two-thirds of primary kids say they enjoy science. Science in high school is boring and hard - not surprisingly only around one-third of high school kids say they enjoy science.
My vote would be for two science streams in high school, one for people who might one day become scientists that focuses on *doing* science, and one for the general public that focuses on broad science literacy. That might mean more people leave school with positive attitudes towards science, and thus might lead to more interest and participation by adults in science events, making the event creators work harder to impress them.
Tim
Reflexology
My workplace recently used taxpayer funds to pay for iridology treatment to anyone who wanted it.
Next month is reflexology, after that phrenology.
Go Team Idiots!
I think you may need to
I think you may need to clarify the relationship between your article and the image/caption. As someone who saw the Science Ninja Van show, I know it's not the mediocre science/music night you have written about but rather a great example of effective adult science communication. The caption, however, makes it very unclear as to whether or not you deem it as an "excellent" or not so excellent example adult fun. Please fix this!
Good point!
All fixed now, thanks for pointing this out!
Science events foir adults
Jacqui - I hear your pain! There are many different audiences with very different needs. Fortunately there are communicators/performers/educators who have recognised this and are working to meet these needs. Unfortunately there is still an expectation/assumption that science-inspired or science themed events must be for children (especially if the event is free). I have been writing and performing science theatre for 15 years and I first managed to break down the "science for kids" assumption by producing 'Pre-Coital' - clearly not designed for children. I have colleagues who continue to develop programs and performances for adults and general audiences and I sense that the overall diversity of science events in Australia is growing. I would cite 'Market of the Mind' (Melbourne), significant sections the Ultimo Science Festival'(Sydney) and 'Great Big Science Gig' as recent examples. Add to these work by Simon Pampena and Ben McKenzie. Part of the problem is that sections of the media are still obsessed with science being "whacky" and for "boffins", but I hope that this too is slowly turning around. Hang in there! Chris KP
flashbacks
I suspect the 'Great Big Science Gig' is actually the horror event she was describing (but was too nice to name). Her description brought flashbacks and nausea ...
Rebuttal
The schedule of the event described doesn't fit the 'Great Big Science Gig'. The event described is a more formal speaking type event which is not the vibe from GBSG. Having attended the GBSG for the past four years, I have always enjoyed their caberet style performance. GBSG sings about science rather than speaks about it and I highly recommend it for a good night out for adults. FS
Hey Flashbacks
Hi flashbacks,
Were you the actual audience member that I, I mean that Marty shat on at that gig?
I'm sorry I - rather, I'm sure HE'S genuinely sorry about that one.
Fair to assume that'd leave a lingering queasiness.
You seemed, I mean, I HEAR that you seemed genuinely delighted at the time. *shrug*
(We've, um, THEY rather, they've since 'dumped' that demo to make space for a song about the science of nutless-comment-trolls-with-names-withheld Didn't quite catch your name there princess...).
I only wish he had the balls to apologise to you himself.
Unless you're talking about that thing at the Powerhouse that had nothing to do with GBSG.
Hugs,
Marty, no, I mean Anonymous-Performer- no,'Supporter'-of-Diverse/Niche-Methods-of-Science Communication...Umm'Guy'
Fun grown-up gig
I totally agree FS. I’ve seen Great Big Science Gig 3 times over 4 years in 2 different states, and they’re a great band! The music is catchy and the science is wide-ranging. I’m pretty sure that the shows were all free too. AddyW
What's your poison?
It was very sweet of you to hijack a very positive piece with some gossip mag style nastiness. I think we'd all like to hear you explain your comments. They don't seem to reflect an interest in the development of Science ed. DT