Brianiac makes science fun for kids

Joe Rowntree is the host of Brainiac, Sky One's popular science programme that sees all manner of thrilling experiments carried out on everyday objects.

The show has been touring the country's theatres in recent weeks and for Joe the message is simple.

He said: "The aim is to pass the message on that science is fun. At school it's all too often boring so we try to add a bit of humour.

"The kids' reactions are amazing because what we do goes beyond their expectations. The show lasts two hours and it's really fast paced because we cram a lot in."

Joe, who turns 27 at the end of the month, admits his formal science training ended at GCSE level.

He studied pscyhology at Goldsmiths College before finding himself working in schools in Tower Hamlets trying to inspire children in the subject.

"It was good fun but challenging," he said.

"I combined it with doing stand-up in the evenings and that was tough but fun too. Then the TV show came along and everything went from there."

Among the "experiments" conducted on stage are blowing up a caravan and strapping a CO2 canister to an office chair to see how quickly it can rotate, with Joe strapped into it. It can be hairy at times.

"I nearly passed out on the chair the first time I did it," said Joe.

"Then I singed off all my arm hair during another experiment but it is all a good laugh and not really dangerous.

"The best thing is the kids all love to see it and hopefully it will inspire some of them to take science further."