Steve Liddell of Street Science performs the grand finale of his science demonstration at the 2023 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival held on 28 October 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Steven “Science Steve” Liddell, founder of Street Science based in Brisbane, Australia, captivated the participants at his interactive science demonstration during the 2023 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) held on 28 October 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Tent in Pasay City.
Science Steve explained the fundamentals of science in simple yet creative ways, starting off his program with a “magic” trick where a cup of water that seemed to disappear before the very eyes of his audience.
“When I explain something to you guys, and I show you what happens, that’s when it changes from magic to science,” said Science Steve. “When we learn science, we gain knowledge. We’re going to see beautiful things, but we gain knowledge as well.”
He went on to demonstrate several scientific concepts by engaging the crowd in hands-on experiments– small children and teenagers alike joined in on the fun. Participants got to experience the cold clouds formed by combining liquid nitrogen and boiling water, see the colors of the rainbow through a light diffraction film, and fold paper airplanes to understand Bernoulli's principle in action.
Science Steve also wowed the audience by playing with fire– literally. He showed how flames change colors by adding different chemicals such as copper, potassium, and barium, therefore explaining how fireworks are made. For his show-stopping finale, he held fire with his bare hands by igniting flammable bubbles using liquid soap and gas.
“I’ve been a strong advocate for improving student outcomes through meaningful educational opportunities for a long time, and in setting up Street Science back in 2012. I saw an opportunity to engage kids and the wider community through high-energy stage shows, and engaging hands-on workshops,” Science Steve said in his website. “My team and I strive to make learning fun, whilst providing the best in Science Education Experiences across a range of topics.”
Science Steve is a high school science educator who has a vision to take his engaging style of science education out of the classroom and on tour around the state. Street Science continues to inspire the next generation of scientists through high-energy science stage shows and engaging hands-on workshops. They also offer digital and e-learning options, with live-streamed broadcasts from their studio, along with Classroom Science Kits that deliver hands-on workshops to schools around Australia. (By Jacqueline R. Parairo, DOST-STII)
