TV star to bring science to life at festival

A TV star who brings science to life for children is encouraging inquisitive youngsters to attend this weekend’s SciFest at the University of Wolverhampton.

Dr Bunhead is well known for his explosive and educational stunts on programmes such as Sky One’s Brainiac and guest appearances on BBC’s Blue Peter, and will be bringing his entertaining Pyromania Show to the University on Saturday, 30 June 2012.

The SciFest Public Day, which coincides with the Olympic torch and Blue Peter being in Wolverhampton, will take place at the City Campus from 10am – 4pm.

Dr Bunhead, aka Tom Pringle, says: “If you enjoy seeing a man with his head on fire, stunt hamsters fired from bazookas or having your head inside the world’s biggest indoor cloud then come see me at SciFest 2012.

“Events like SciFest wake kids up to the excitement of science (if they’re not convinced already). SciFest provides a fresh buzz of excitement and curiosity in kids and parents alike. It’s not just about the ‘WOW! Factor’ of science, but also the joy of the AHA! Moment – that feeling when the penny drops and something finally makes sense.

“Such a positive emotional association with science is, sadly, often lacking for many kids. SciFest plays a strong role in fostering the science enthusiasm needed to steer kids towards enjoying and benefiting from science studies throughout their school career and, hopefully for many of them, onto university.”

Dr Bunhead’s show will be one of the highlights at the Public Day, which is the culmination of a week-long festival to encourage schoolchildren of all ages to discover science and technology.

Other shows include Medieval medicine, looking at how lice and frogs were used as treatments, an opportunity to take a tour through the solar system with Thinktank’s Mobile Planetarium and a chance to meet a range of furry and scaly animals with Tropical Inc.

Also on offer are a range of activities such as a chance to build your own rocket with the team from RAF Museum Cosford, a challenge to assemble a robot and lots to see and do in the Experiments Marquee.

School of Applied Sciences Associate Dean, Dr Derek Walton, said: “SciFest is a great opportunity for families to get hands-on experience of the magic of science. We’re delighted to be hosting this event on a day when the spotlight is firmly on Wolverhampton, and I’d encourage people to come along and join in the fun.”

Interactive activities developed especially for different year groups are being held this week from Tuesday to Friday (June 26 - 29) for primary, GCSE and A-level students. These include subjects such as lie detection, car design, midwifery, mathematics and pharmacy.

The Public Day is free but booking is required for some shows and workshops, including Dr Bunhead.

For more information, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/scifest

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Picture: TV stunt scientist Dr Bunhead experiments with liquid nitrogen and boiling water ahead of this weekend’s SciFest Public Day.