Countdown to The Big Bang 2014

It’s almost here! From the 13 – 16th March 2014, The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair will pitch up to The NEC, Birmingham, to host the UK’s largest celebration of science and engineering for young people. Organisers aim to welcome around 75,000 people to the free science and engineering extravaganza, and Matthew is standing by to unleash his pyrotechnic wizardry at the event.

Book now for The Big Bang 2014

Matthew is no stranger to The Big Bang, having judged and moderated CREST projects and National Science and Engineering Competition entries for the past three years. Prior to that, he was involved in organising the event and helping STEM Clubs to exhibit. This year marks a significant change for Matthew, as he brings a stage show to the four day event and shares his passion for STEM and the performing arts.

“I’m really excited to be presenting this year. It’s an amazing event and showcases a whole range of projects, inventions and careers in which the STEM subjects are used. It really opens the eyes of young people to what is possible and why those subjects are so important at school.” says Matthew, who will be demonstrating how STEM subjects are used to create spectacular firework displays around the world.

Skyburst logoMatthew’s stage shows at The Big Bang have been made possible thanks to generous support from Bristol-based Skyburst The Firework Co.

With a glint in his eye, Matthew added “The NEC ceiling is much higher than most venues, which gives me more scope for demonstrating larger pyrotechnic effects and the science behind them.”

Anyone prepared to sit in the front row?

The Fair hosts an astounding array of activities and live performances, with the first two days open to school groups and Saturday and Sunday open to families.

It’s completely free to attend, but places are going fast so register now to avoid missing out, at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.

Embarking on The Chemistry Journey

The Virtual School logoMatthew has been selected to join the writing team behind The Virtual School in their latest project The Chemistry Journey. The project aims to cover the key chemistry concepts studied by students aged 14-16, with animated video resources being freely available to teachers and students worldwide.

Speaking about the project, Matthew said “I’m really pleased to be involved with The Virtual School. Good quality education resources should be available to everyone worldwide, irrespective of how well developed their economy is.”

Matthew is one of six qualified teachers who will be writing and voicing the chemistry lessons during the summer of 2013. The complete series of resources will be available from September.

Guest blogger for the British Science Association

I have just written a blog entry on science demonstrations for the British Science Association website. I’m currently working with the Association on Get Set Demonstrate, a multi-phase project aimed at encouraging more teachers and technicians to try out new science demonstrations.Get set demonstrate logoThe call for nominations is underway and we recently launched a promo video. You may even recognise the voiceover.