Some kids live and breath science.

But for others it’s clouded by complex words and confusing equations.

The World Science Festival is taking young children back to basics, in hope they will see the light.

Annie Pullar reports.

TRANSCRIPT

All aboard!

Excitement wasn’t the only thing in the air, as the old train rolled in ready for a World Science Festival journey.

The sight and sound of steam was the main attraction.

But inside is where the real fun begins.

“Professor Claud Bottom”: “Would you like to try on my glasses to see how you look oh look at that instant genius!”

It’s not his real name, but Professor Bottom is running this pocket science show.

Carriage by carriage he’s changing the way kids see the world.

It’s all designed to inspire young scientists of the future.

Prof. Suzanne Miller, CEO & Director Qld Museum: “Over the last 10 years the number of students taking science to year 12 has dropped, and it has dropped on average by thirty-five per cent.”

Why is it so?

Prof. Suzanne Miller, CEO and Director Qld Museum: “One of the challenges we have is the perception that science is hard.”OUT WORDS: science is hard.”

But it’s the simple gadgets that attract the most attention.

Mad Professors and steam trains it’s not your typical combination, but it’s one that’s capturing the attention of nearly 200 people on board.

Pulling pocket sized science experiments from his bag of goodies, Professor Claud Bottom is inspiring children and proving that science can be fun.

And that’s the case when this mad Professor is at the controls.

“Professor Claud Bottom”: “Now look you’re creating science for play.”
　
Annie Pullar, QUT News.