IMAX NEWS

Teachers were treated to a special presentation by ABC TV personality Ruben Meerman, also known as the "The Surfing Scientist". Being an avid surfer, science communicator and all-round-nice-guy, Ruben captivated teachers at two teacher preview events held to launch the film Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D.

Ruben's liquid nitrogen demonstration - a first for our auditorium - helped illustrate the cooling and heating of the atmosphere that ultimately creates the wind that whips up the ocean into foamy peaks otherwise known as .... waves.




Ruben replaces his 3D glasses with safety goggles to perform the liquid nitrogen experiement for teachers.




The liquid nitrogen causes the air inside the balloon to contract, and hence the balloon shrinks. This simulates the way the eath's atmosphere cools at night and warms again in the daytime, thanks to the sun's radiation.




The balloon shrinks so much it looks like it will crumble just as a flower does when immersed in liquid nitrogen. A testament to the amazing powers of latex balloons!




When the balloon is re-heated by blowing on it (not to imply Ruben is full of hot air!), the air inside expands and it magically re-inflates the balloon!




It was great to see so many familiar faces at the preview, held to mark the launch of the Theatre's 2010 education program and the release of Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D.




Screen Literacy (Colin & Hiro from "Making Meaning on Screen") talk Screen Science with Ruben Meerman before the show.




Miya receives a lesson on ocean tides from Ruben at the registration desk.




Thanks, I'll put those safety goggles away and wear these ones with the polarized lenses instead for the movie!


CLICK HERE to see lesson plan ideas from The Surfing Scientst.

CLICK HERE to download the Study Guide for Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D.

A final word from one of our teachers:

"I thought the introductory presentation was really motivating. Reuben's manner was really inclusive and down to earth and his experiment was simple, but exciting and fun to witness. Having such a passionate speaker reinforces the role and importance of science for all of us. He makes science seem very relevant and accessible and I would hope that young, potential future scientists would be further encouraged by their teachers to pursue careers in a scientific field. He made science seem so "everyday" which it is, but I think most of us forget its importance from time to time. As I have a philosophy of being a lifelong learner any chance to acquire new knowledge or to refresh earlier learning is valuable. Having a guest speaker is like an extra bonus for the teachers and I feel it enhances the complete pre- visit experience." L. Wills, Sydney School Teacher.