Learning Science Through Theatre
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 20 May 2010
Famous inventers through history took centre stage in a new play on Monday 17th May at the Terry o'Toole Theatre in Lincoln.
The play was commissioned and organised by Marianne Overton on behalf of the Society of Biology, East Midlands Branch in conjunction with the West Kesteven Wildlife Watch and RSPB Group and involved Fifty children from Potterhanworth and Nocton Primary Schools who went along to celebrate more than a thousand years of medical invention by creating a fun and brand new play.
"The children worked really well and were a joy to be with. They learned some useful things about science and inspirational characters who made such a difference to our lives today."
"They also gained confidence and skills in being creative, teamwork, leadership and communication. This was particularly evident in the creation of 'time machines' with many moving parts, all put together in just minutes. The play came together really well and the effect was breathtaking, all in just one day!"
"It is the eleventh year we have run such events. The project helps children gain knowledge, skills and confidence and also lead the public debate on live scientific issues. We can learn from them in an engaging way," said County Councillor Marianne Overton.
"This new play has been specially commissioned to help children understand the amazing medical developments, and be inspired by what a great contribution to science can be made by each person."
"The children had fun with the gruesome medieval medicine. I enjoyed the chapter on the history of the NHS, cleverly linking each medical development with music and dance of the period."
The team running the project were professionals, Phil and Kirsty Mead of Rhubarb Theatre, who were also the script-writers and directors.
Their track record in excellent work with young people has been regarded by some as second to none and follows the success of the “Darwin Day” last November (2009).
Also in the team were Drama leader, Alice Kinloch, Lucy Colgon of the Lincolnshire Dance and visual artist, Nadia Monfrinoli, who lead the making of imaginative props.
Workshops in the morning gave the children a chance to enjoy working together in different groups and explore the information.
Each scene was then expressed through music, dance, drama and with the children even making their own props.
"It is an important event combining strong messages of scientific innovation and healthy living through theatre. The event follows on from a very successful series of science through theatre events in previous years,” said organiser Marianne Overton. “Children learn a lot in a fun way and gain confidence working in a team together with a common goal. The message of fun, healthy living is very powerful when it comes from the children themselves."
The "The Science Theatre Day" was a wonderful fun educational day where the talented young actors and actresses invented their own time machines and went back to see at first hand the exciting discoveries of medicine.
It really was a science lesson with a difference.
The Children, aged from years 4 and 5 had been selected to join in a one-day production, held on stage at the Terry O Toole Theatre.
The event was designed to develop teamwork and self-confidence in children and to help them enjoy learning science in a new way.
