[OT] Rough Science

[Umbran]

Well, it isn't fiction, or fantasy, but it's science, and it's on TV...

It's a reality show, but not like you'd expect - it's called "Rough Science". Put a team of five scientists on an island. They have three days to complete certain tasks, like making a record player, a radio, or a testing lab for antibacterial cream. All out of materials they find on the island.

It's a BBC production, and has apparently made the rounds of many PBS stations. It will be running on The Science Channel (formerly Discovery: Science), starting at 9pm on Monday, April 21st. There are apparently 10 half-hour episodes, and they'll show two each Monday.

 

[dravot]

It's a very cool show. We've seen most of them on PBS. A great introduction to science for kids.

 

[Dismas]

If you like rough science you might want to try and check out Hollywood Science http://www.open2.net/hollywoodscience2
done by the same people.

Hollywood Science is an Open University programme. The OU is a 'University of the Airways' and broadcasts lectures on radio and TV. The TV slots tend to be a stupid o'clock in the morning and so need to be recorded to enjoy. Anyway, Hollywood Science used to be 10 minute slots, hosted by Jonathan Hare (a scientist) and Robert Llewellyn (Kryten from Red Dwarf), that examined the science behind a particular movie scene.

With the move to 'prime time' the slot has expanded and they look at three movie scenes. This week looked at the science behind the 'break-ins' from the movies The Thomas Crown Affair, The Score and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

This is a fun show. The science is pitched at the right level and provides some useful info for those GM's hassled by players who want to try something they have seen in the movies.

 

[Mark]

I saw an episode of this show once not long ago. Kind of like a RL MacGyver. Good stuff!