Smiley Talks

What’s Involved:

Smiley Talks are a chance for you to spend an hour exploring one of science’s big questions, whether to do with the stars above us, or the world around us, or that little niggling question you always wanted answered.

Each one-hour session is delivered by Smiley Science Communicator and Chief Nerd, Colin Smillie, a.k.a., me. The session begins with around 30-35 minutes exploring the particular science of the Talk. Using lots of spectacular imagery, fascinating factual stories, and an appropriate amount of dad jokes, I will take you on a journey to find out not just what we’ve discovered, but how we did, and why it matters.

There is plenty of time for questions and discussion on the topic at hand, or any science questions you’ve always pondered. And where practicable, I like to bring along equipment or objects — like telescopes or small science demonstrations — to help illustrate the science.

Smiley Talks explore curious questions from across the wider sciences.

New topics are added across the year, and I adapt the depth of science depending on what you already know, and what you’d like to know.

No previous science knowledge is required — just a healthy dose of curiosity.

What to Expect:

Depending on the chosen topic, your session will include:

• A visually-rich, personally guided journey through a science idea, discovery, or question

• Stories of the people, observations, and experiments that gave us these discoveries

• Clear, jargon-free explanations without sacrificing the interesting bits

• The occasional object, demonstration, or piece of hands-on science

• Time for questions, conversation, and unexpected scientific tangents

Who is it for?

Smiley Talks are for adults, whānau, community groups, retirement communities, schools, libraries, clubs, workplaces, and for anyone with an interest in science who wants to answer some questions, learn something new, and see some beautiful images.

I adapt my Talks to suit each audience, with no previous science knowledge required.

Practical Details:

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

• Science kōrero: Lasts between 25-35 minutes depending on audience engagement, with time for questions and discussion afterwards.

• Venue requirements: A projection system onsite is preferred, but options are available to provide my own.