Dr Mark Miodownik presents the 2010 CHRISTMAS LECTURES®.
From the very large to the very small, the Kings College London scientist investigates why size is an important factor for both living and non-living matter.
Beginning his journey into the world of scale with a furry friend, Mark reveals why hamsters fare better than humans when jumping from the top of a skyscraper. We find out why mountains don't grow any taller, why the size of an elephant means it has trouble dancing, and why ants can lift many times their own body weight compared to humans.
Plus, Mark scales down to the molecular level to reveal why chocolate tastes so good and returns again to explain how sperm whales – one of the world’s biggest animals – have developed nifty ways of diving deep into the ocean.
On giving the lectures, Dr Miodownik said:
"I'm delighted to be delivering the CHRISTMAS LECTURES®. I watched the lectures when I was small and it feels amazing to be on the other side of the show. Hopefully, they will continue to inspire another generation of young scientists."
The CHRISTMAS LECTURES® in 2010 were originally broadcast on BBC Four and were sponsored by Microsoft Research.
Media Gallery
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Christmas Lectures 2010
Image: Royal Institution
Christmas Lectures 2010
Image: Royal Institution
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The set.
Image: Image: The Royal Institution
The set.
Image: Image: The Royal Institution
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The lectures were filmed by Windfall Productions.
Image: The Royal Institution
The lectures were filmed by Windfall Productions.
Image: The Royal Institution
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Mark rehearses with jelly balloons.
Image: The Royal Institution
Mark rehearses with jelly balloons.
Image: The Royal Institution
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This snowball and snowflake might weigh the same, but because of air resistance they won't fall at the same speed.
Image: The Royal Institution
This snowball and snowflake might weigh the same, but because of air resistance they won't fall at the same speed.
Image: The Royal Institution
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Picking an ant for weighing.
Image: The Royal Institution
Picking an ant for weighing.
Image: The Royal Institution
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Performer Tim Cockerill shows Mark the UK's only remaining flea circus.
Image: The Royal Institution
Performer Tim Cockerill shows Mark the UK's only remaining flea circus.
Image: The Royal Institution
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A young audience member hopes to take part in a demonstration.
Image: Royal Institution
A young audience member hopes to take part in a demonstration.
Image: Royal Institution
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A weightlifter impresses Mark with his strength.
Image: The Royal Institution
A weightlifter impresses Mark with his strength.
Image: The Royal Institution
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Mark alongside the world's biggest ruler.
Image: Royal Institution
Mark alongside the world's biggest ruler.
Image: Royal Institution
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Mark gets to grips with the UK's only remaining flea circus.
Image: Royal Institution
Mark gets to grips with the UK's only remaining flea circus.
Image: Royal Institution
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Christmas Lecturer Mark Miodownik.
Image: Royal Institution
Christmas Lecturer Mark Miodownik.
Image: Royal Institution
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Could we reach space without a rocket?
Image: Royal Institution
Could we reach space without a rocket?
Image: Royal Institution
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Why are mountains like Martian molehills?
Image: Royal Institution
Why are mountains like Martian molehills?
Image: Royal Institution
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Why do elephants have the last laugh?
Image: Royal Institution
Why do elephants have the last laugh?
Image: Royal Institution
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How does chocolate melt in your mouth?
Image: Royal Institution
How does chocolate melt in your mouth?
Image: Royal Institution
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Why is an ant stronger than a weight lifter?
Image: Royal Institution
Why is an ant stronger than a weight lifter?
Image: Royal Institution
Related link(s)
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The 2010 Christmas Lectures
www.rigb.org
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2010 Lectures: Behind the Scenes
www.rigb.org
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History of the Christmas Lectures
www.rigb.org
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Mark Miodownik's website
www.markmiodownik.net
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BBC Schools Teachers Pack
Teachers Pack: Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2010
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Christmas Lectures DVD
Order your copy here
Related download(s)
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The Science behind Lecture One
273.39 KB
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The Science behind Lecture Two
200.57 KB
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The Science behind Lecture Three
180.01 KB
Image: The Royal Institution
