Australian Institute of Physics |
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South Australian Branch |
Australian Institute of Physics |
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South Australian Branch |
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Notice of a
at
7:30 pm on Thursday 17th August 2006Union Hall
at the University of AdelaideThis is a dynamic evening’s entertainment about the most colourful and controversial scientist of all time – Galileo Galilei – the man responsible for the birth of experimental science.
Mike Gore will hold you spellbound as he demonstrates many of the aspects of science that are associated with Galileo. There is the giant bowling ball pendulum, the falling chimney paradox and of course The Monkey and the Hunter demonstration.
This fascinating mixture of science and theatre is a revelation for all ages from 12 year upwards. Teachers will recognize many of the demonstrations that are performed in the course of the evening from the standard curriculum, but most are rarely seen. This is science, history and art presented for enjoyment and discovery.
As one critic wrote, “This one-man, one monkey show features basic physics dressed up as theatre."
Biography: Mike Gore is currently a member of the National Centre for Public Awareness of Science (CPAS). The Centre is the first place in the world to combine an academic program in Scientific Communication within a centre devoted to the public awareness of science. It offers expertise in bridging the gap between science and the public - a gap which in many ways costs Australians dearly. Mike Gore came to the Australian National University in 1962 and was to teach Physics here for the next 25 years. In 1980 he established, as part of the ANU, Australia's first interactive science centre - Questacon. In fact it was the first interactive science centre in the southern hemisphere. In the following decade he was for a time scientific advisor to the original ABC television series "Towards 2000". In 1986 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for "his services to science education". In 1987 he became the foundation director of Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre. In 1992 Dr Gore was awarded the ABC's prestigious Eureka Prize for "the public promotion of science". He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science.
