So hey – I have a Big Bang Theory event on Thursday! And since I know a lot of you are throwing one as well, I’d thought I’d share what I have planned. The idea for this program was to do something for every character, showing at least SOMETHING about what they do. Sheldon is by far the hardest, as string theory is something that this former music major can’t wrap her head around at all. I honestly have very little science in my background (I’ve never taken a single chemistry class in my life), so this entire summer was really rather terrifying. Not just because I don’t know much about science, but because I wanted to show science in a way that’s fun & doable for 20-40 teens in a room.
But I think I’ve got a pretty fun event planned – we’ll have to see if the teens agree! Mostly, these are crafts & games that use a variety of scientific principles. I’ll be adding signs at every station that explain what’s going on & why we’re doing it, including the science behind Leonard’s lactose intolerance!
Sheldon: Theoretical Physicist
– Very simple explanation of string theory
– cat’s cradle – each teen goes home with their own string!
Leonard: Experimental Physicist
– To explain chaos theory/centripetal force: spinning paint art (also science of color!)
– bottle music
– straw challenge – how far will it go?
Penny: Acting
– body language/charades using emotions
– cheesecake! I’m going to get the tub of cheesecake & make little cupcake sized cakes for everyone.
Raj: Astronomy
– moon phase necklaces
Howard: Engineering
– toothpicks & gumdrops: challenges!
Bernadette: Microbiology
– bread-making: wheat vs gluten-free flour, feeding the yeast sugar vs a sugar substitute (does it bubble the same?)
Amy: Neurobiology
– optical illusions craft: 3D hand prints
– Stroop Effect game
Wil Wheaton: Biomechanics
– Wesley Crushers bowling!
ALSO:
Paper-Rock-Scissors-Lizard-Spock Tournament!
– Science of how to win
Zen & the Art of Teen Services 