06.12.2005
Dr Hal Sosabowski (pictured below), star of children's hit TV programme 'Ministry of Mayhem', will be performing his Christmas magic show at the University Of Brighton, on 14 December with his co-presenter John Luton from Varndean College.
He will entertain and educate members of the public with a series of spectacular experiments, demonstrations and explosions.
Dr Sosabowski, Principal Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at the university, will combine chemicals in experiments with bizarre titles such as 'exploding ostrich egg', 'burning money' and 'phosphorous jellyfish' in front of 500 members of the public, students, families and school pupils.
In 'exploding ostrich egg' - hydrogen gas is added to the egg and lit via a hole in top – as the hydrogen burns off oxygen is added and this results in an ear splitting bang. Dr Sosabowski will then set fire to a £50 note which amazingly emerges unscathed.
"The show will stimulate all the senses. There will be bright demonstrations, colour, noise, smell... it will be spectacular! Students learn much faster when they enjoy what they see - I really can't believe I get paid to do this great stuff," said Dr Sosabowski.
Beneath the breathtaking experiments lie two serious educational messages - chemistry is important in everyday life and is an interesting career choice. At a time of concern over the closure of chemistry departments in some universities, Dr Sosabowski engages the public in visual exhibition chemistry both in live shows and via television.
He is a contributor to the popular Saturday morning children's television programme Ministry of Mayhem (Foundation TV, ITV1 Saturdays, 09.25-11.15), and regularly appears on 'The Lab' slot, which brings science to children in an amusing and exciting manner. His input involves experiment design, risk assessment, performing experiments or training presenters to carry out experiments under his supervision.
He conceived the idea of Chemistry Trumps for which he jointly received the University of Brighton Innovation Award 2003. This product is now in commercial production by stax-o-facts Ltd. For his work in outreach, exhibition and evangelical chemistry, Hal was awarded the University of Brighton Innovation (Entrepreneurship) Award in 2005 for his Ministry of Chemistry media work.
Press and photographers are welcome to attend the event.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
