SCIENCE SCHOOL INCURSIONS

If you are after a mix of Entertainment & Education then this is it! 
Solid Edutainment!

We offer fun & exciting Science Shows at your school that will include discrepant events and great science to enforce your curriculum areas. Our focus is on engaging students in Chemistry & Physics in a new and exciting way.

• For students aged 5 to 18
• Up to 100 students at a time
• 60 minute sessions
• Enrich your science curriculum
• Save on traveling and other excursion costs 
• Family Science Nights are possible too!
• Available in Victoria or inter-state on request

What we doPrimary Schools

Solids, Liquids & Gases  (and all things jelly-like and slimy in between)
This is a great interactive show as it contains the smokes, clouds, slimes, baby nappy slush, cup cakes in minutes and surprises that students love. Students assist the presenter with fun & exciting demonstrations such as the blood-in-the-kitchen, expanding snow, disappearing water, rain machine and many more. And of course we wake-up the bunny in a Nesquik tin just for the fun of it!  May include if time allows our famous outdoor reactions. Great fun!  Engagement guaranteed!

Fun Chemical Changes at Home (and especially in the kitchen)
This interactive presentation focuses on a number of interesting & fun colour and gas producing reactions from the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Students see & help with instant colour changes in the kitchen & toy shop.  They discover the power of laundry materials when an explosive balloon is produced, see how heat packs work, get into nappy science, bake a cake without an oven and many more.  And, yes the awful power of hair spray is revealed that pushes a possum from a tree . . . Fun, fun, fun and may include a Cola-Mentos eruption (outdoors).

The Science of Toys (covering Energy & Forces)
In this fun presentation we discover the fundamentals of motion: an unbalanced force has to be applied using energy.  We ask what makes toys waddle across the table, find that energy can be stored in batteries, capacitors, food, muscles, springs, fuel, elastics and we see examples of all. We discover how energy is converted from potential energy to kinetic energy in toys, steam engines, see chemical energy 'explode', find out how forces are balanced when we lift a table using air, float objects with electricity, see Newton's Third law in action and much more.   A great introduction for almost any Physics theme. (This session can also include electricity generation, AC vc DC, sound principles, resonance and be adjusted to any teaching level.)  

Middle & Secondary Schools

Get Energized! 
A Show on the Physics of everyday things with a focus in 2012 on Renewable Energy

We will select from the following:
We will move & float objects with electricity, slow magnets down in tubes while generating electricity, demonstrate the awesome power of air (one student will float on air) and its potential in energy storage, run an engine from body heat, another from hot water and ice, run a car on gases produced from water using the wind, solar or a generator. Discuss a number of ways to store energy, find out how car collisions can be explained with bouncing balls, and learn how to boil water in the sun.  If time allows we will demonstrate resonance in singing rods and Chinese spouting bowls, see and hear AC / DC, find out why nothing can operate at 100% efficiency,  transmit sound from an iPod on a torch beam, split white light with the swing of the wrist, and much more . . .

Chemistry Secrets Revealed  
A Show exposing the amazing secrets of molecules in our everyday lives

This is a fast moving session with controlled explosions, chemical backbone stuff, fun chemical reactions, smokes, gels and more.  Why do some chemicals explode?  How can rocket fuel be made from flowers and why?  Can sugar explode and where does it get the energy from?  Understand what the influence of CO2 is on our environment using a toy. Learn why fumigating a restaurant can be dangerous and see hydrogen and butane explode inside a Pringles tube.  Find out how chemical miners lamps work, how water can save lifes, how a magnesium pencil sharpener can power a clock, how the Allied forces used simple chemistry to destroy German aircraft without explosions, how Yuri Geller bent teaspoons and much more.

Our Best (truly amazing) Science Demonstrations in one hour!

In this interactive show we take our best and most fun demonstrations and mix and match to your requirements. The aim is to "expose, excite and ignite" the imagination of students and change their perspective of science forever . . . 

We will select from the listed activities above to make presentations age-appropriate and compliment the State Curriculum and Standards Framework. We may exclude demonstrations listed if circumstances predict this including for safety reasons.

FAQ’s

What age group ?
Prep to Year 10

How many students can attend ?
Per session: Any number from 10 to 100.
We do reserve the right to limit the number of students for safety reasons. 

Is there a minimum booking?
Yes. The minimum fee per visit is the cost equivalent of two sessions.  If you are from a small school then we may be able to offer an extended science presentation with added hands-on workshop. Fun!! 
Another option: We could present one show to (say) the Grade 2/3 students and another to (say) Grade 5/6.  Please discuss with your colleagues.

What is required from the school?

-  A demonstration area in a multi-purpose room / hall  / classroom  / lab
-  The Physics "Get Energized!" Show will require a semi-darkened area
-  Students can be seated on a carpet or floor (primary students) so all have a better view
-  Three trestle tables or a laboratory bench & two tables
-  The use of a waste bin
-  Access to electrical power and water (canteen or kitchen) within short walking distance.
-  Access to the venue beforehand for at least 45 minutes for setting up and 30 minutes afterwards for cleaning up
-  Around 15 minutes in between Shows for adjusting equipment & chemicals
-  Parking as close as possible to the venue

How safe is the show?
Safety is of great importance. We have extensive experience in bringing these School Shows to more than 400 000 students in 19 years without any incident. We do however carry full Public Liability Insurance to a total of 20 Million.  A certificate of currency can be provided.  And we have a current "Working with Children Check".

Who does the presentation?
All Shows are presented by Carl Ahlers, of Prof Bunsen Science, an enthusiastic scientist, educator & science communicator holding a MSc in Chemistry and Bachelors in Education. He frequently delivers talks at Science Teacher Conferences.  He has entertained hundreds of thousands at his presentations over the years . . .  

Any feedback from teachers?
We frequently hear "This was the best incursion I have seen at our school . . . "  and we get lots of great feedback and follow-up requests (six from one school!). 
Here are some feedback:

“I just wanted to let you know that I have been inundated with feedback from teachers, students and parents who have all told me what a fantastically informative and engaging presentation you gave. Some actually said, the best incursion or excursion they have ever been on! So on behalf of St Clement's, THANK YOU!"
Kerrie, St Clement of Rome Catholic Primary School, Bulleen

"The children are still talking about your Shows and many other teachers have commented on how their children were enthralled with the outside experiments as well. We have recommended you to the rest of the staff for any science topics being covered in the future"
A Seeckts, Carranballac College, Point Cook

"I just wanted to thank you again for an amazing presentation. The kids have not been able to stop talking about it or conducting experiments. One of my girls even said when she grows up she wants to be just like you. Has given them a real taste for Science and how exciting it can be"
J O’Connor, St Francis of Assissi Catholic College

"You teach concepts and principles in such an engaging way - the kids were learning science without even realising it! You obviously put a lot of thought into your sessions and try to include new ideas"   P Wilson, Plenty Valley Christian School

"Not surprised that you are packed to capacity as you run a fantastic program!"  K Gibbons, Westgrove PS

“l felt really excited because l was seeing so many fascinating things that l have never ever seen before! l’ve never seen so many explosions before.”  Cameron, Grade 3

and many more . . .

And the cost?

Our fees are calculated per presentation.  We are not the cheapest but probably one of the best in the Science Edutainment market.
The costs below include traveling but exclude GST (which is refunded to schools by the ATO).

Please Note:  1.  The minimum fee per visit is the cost equivalent of two sessions.  If you are from a small school then we may be able to offer an extended Science presentation with hands-on workshop. Fun!!
                      2.  All sessions perfomed between 6 and 24 August 2012 will carry a 12% surcharge.

How to enquire?  Availability?

It is by far the best to simply hit this button and complete as much information as possible so we can get back to you.  No obligation at all.  Carl is usually at schools during the day and may not be available.  He will however attend to your emails ASAP. 
But if you prefer to speak to him, please give it a go: 04 0570 5009  (Carl Ahlers)