Events

Schools Lecture Series 2010 – Powering the Future - The Physics of Fusion

What is the schools lecture all about?

The schools and colleges lecture has been delivered by a series of acclaimed physics communicators annually, throughout UK, since 1993. The free interactive lecture is designed to show school pupils, aged 14-16, contemporary developments in physics in a fun and lively way. 

2010 Lecture: Powering the Future
Dr Melanie Windridge

View dates and venues for 2010

Find out how the reaction that powers the sun could provide a clean energy source for the future.

An exciting, interactive free talk for school students, which builds on everyday physics to explain groundbreaking research.

 This inspiring lecture will reveal:

• The physics behind the fusion reaction that powers the sun;
• How physicists are trying to replicate the fusion reaction in massive experiments at places such as JET, the world’s largest nuclear fusion experiment at Culham
• The potential for harnessing the energy produced in the fusion reaction as a future alternative to fossil fuels.

With hands-on demonstrations the lecture will explore the challenges of creating facilities that can withstand the high temperatures of the sun in order to create the fusion reaction on earth. 

Presenter

Dr Melanie Windridge recently completed a PhD in Fusion Energy at Imperial College London, spending much of her research time at the JET research facility at Culham.  Whilst completing her PhD Melanie gained experience in science communication working on promotional material for Culham Science Centre and regularly attending science festivals.  Melanie recently appeared on “Bang Goes the Theory” on BBC 1 and has made many other TV and radio appearances.

Audience: 14 – 16 year olds

Talk Duration: 1 hour

Curriculum links include: How science works - applications and implications of science, energy resources, radioactivity, stars and fusion

Previous schools lectures

• 2009 Lecture: How to Explore the Universe - Andy Newsam.
  The lecture is available on CDROM. Please e-mail education@iop.org for a copy
• 2008 Lecture: Rock in 11 Dimensions: Where Physics and Guitars Collide - Dr Mark Lewney.
  The lecture is available on CDROM. Please e-mail education@iop.org for a copy.
• 2007 Lecture: Light Fantastic: the Science of Colour - Dr Pete Vuskusic, School of Physics, Exeter University.
  The lecture is available on CDROM. Please e-mail education@iop.org for a copy.
• 2006 Lecture: Gravity Gas and Stardust - Dr Pete Edwards, Durham University
• 2005 Lecture: Our Planet, Our Future - Dr Karen Bultitude, UWE and Dr Laura Grant, Liverpool University
• 2004 Lecture: Sport vs Physics - Dr Dave James, Sheffield University

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