Cheltenham Science Festival

Cheltenham Science Festival is one of the UK’s largest and most renowned Science festivals. Some of the world's greatest scientists, imaginative thinkers, bloggers and genius comedians present throughout the week. This year the Badminton Science Outreach Team
consisting of our Years 10 and Lower Sixth were lucky enough to take part in this renowned event, inspiring all ages and doing most of all what we love……SCIENCE!

Despite the early start at 6:30 am, we arrived in Cheltenham on Wednesday the 6th June, in high spirits, looking forward to showing what Badminton girls have to offer. Initially I was a little nervous presenting content beyond GCSE level and even A- Level Magnetism and Liquid Nitrogen. As soon as we all started everyone relaxed as fascinated students listened intently to our demonstrations.

The Magnets Workshop, creatively titled “Are Grapes Magnetic?” attracted a range of visitors to the workshop, from small children to university level physicists. The workshop comprised of five unique types of fascinating magnetism demonstrations; ferromagnetism, Para magnetism, diamagnetism, electromagnetism and magnetic fields. Some of the experiments involved ridiculously strong magnets of 80kg, magnets so strong they have to be stored in locked boxes!

Alongside people being astounded at the fact that, “yes a grape really is magnetic and yes this grape is real” were flowers being shattered like glass, kettles boiling at -196 degrees Celsius and Blue Tac being hammered into wood by the spectacle that is Liquid Nitrogen! There definitely wasn’t a lack of volunteers to help with the experiments and even answer the difficult questions. It was great to see so many students inspired, in particular girls watching role models promoting the message of girls in STEM.

Since joining the team at the start of Year 10, I have loved every minute of it and the opportunities that I have been given. Each experience has been amazing in its own way, but Cheltenham has definitely been one of the highlights. Public speaking is an essential skill for any career path and Outreach has definitely helped me to develop this, whilst at the same time being able to say that I have used liquid Nitrogen and 80kg magnets, which some don’t have the ability to do until University, that in itself is pretty cool!

I particularly liked hearing one little girl comment when walking away to her friend, “Wow that was the best one I have seen all day!”, showing that despite being next to some of the best in the industry, Badminton girls are still standing out from the crowd and inspiring others with what we love to do confidently.

Scarlett, Year 10