An Afternoon of Science: Christmas Lectures

An Afternoon of Science: Christmas Lectures

On Tuesday, 3rd December, the Lewis Lecture Theatre at Malvern College buzzed with excitement as Year 8 pupils from The Downs Malvern arrived for a spectacular afternoon of Christmas Science Lectures. Delivered by the College’s talented Lower Sixth scientists, the event was a festive fusion of dazzling demonstrations, jaw-dropping experiments, and fascinating insights designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds.

The afternoon began with a literal bang as Lucia B (H3) took the stage to unravel the science behind fireworks. With vibrant demonstrations that lit up the room, she revealed how chemistry creates the beautiful colours we associate with celebrations. This really set the tone for the thrilling lectures to come.

Next, Chloe W (H4), Grace L (H4), and Charlotte B (H6) brought science to life through scent. Their engaging presentation on esters—key compounds in perfumes and flavourings introduced the audience to the chemistry behind some of their favourite aromas. Armed with model kits and bottles of aromatic esters, the trio ensured the room was filled with both knowledge and delightful fragrances.

From sweet scents to sleuthing, Arabella C (H3) took the pupils into the world of forensic science. With magnifying glasses in hand, the Year 8s eagerly examined their own fingerprints, identifying loops, whorls, and arches in a hands-on activity that left them marvelling at the unique patterns they carry around every day.

A buzz filled the room as Isabel S (H8) transported everyone into the extraordinary world of bees. Her lecture explored how honey stays fresh for centuries and how bee venom can help treat rheumatoid arthritis. Pupils were fascinated by the vital role these tiny creatures play, with Isabel’s captivating storytelling keeping them hooked.

In one of the most interactive sessions of the day, Livia M (H8) and Tara G (H8) presented “The Untamed World: Secrets of Wild Animals.” From the near-indestructible tardigrades, which can survive the harshest conditions, to the immortal jellyfish, exploding ants, and super-intelligent octopuses, their talk brought the wonders of the animal kingdom to life. The Year 8 pupils eagerly joined in with questions and discussions, turning the lecture into a lively and memorable session.

The tempo increased as Matthew W (H9) and Ethan O (H9) took the stage to delve into the magic of chemical reactions. Their dynamic presentation on collision theory featured the dramatic ‘clock reaction’, a stunning visual experiment that had the entire room mesmerised as solutions transformed before their eyes.

The grand finale came courtesy of Nikolai RvK (H2) and Elias G (H7), who dazzled the audience with a journey into the glowing world of bioluminescence. From hunting techniques to warning signals in the animal kingdom, their lecture combined biology and chemistry to create a show-stopping conclusion. The glowing spiral of chemiluminescent reactions left the audience in awe and brought the afternoon to a truly illuminating end.

The Year 8 pupils didn’t just watch — they participated, probing the Sixth Formers with insightful questions and demonstrating a keen enthusiasm for the topics.

Dr. Natalie Watson (Head of Science at Malvern College), who oversaw the event, summed up the day perfectly: “It was an unforgettable afternoon of science. The energy, curiosity, and engagement from both The Downs pupils and our Lower Sixth scientists made it a truly inspiring experience. We’re already looking forward to hosting the next Christmas lectures!”

With a blend of festive fun and scientific discovery, this year’s Christmas Science Lectures were nothing short of magical—an event that will surely leave a lasting impression on the young minds who attended – a fantastic opportunity for our Sixth Formers to pass on their knowledge.