The CHRISTMAS LECTURES were introduced nearly 200 years ago, when there was little formal education for children, making them an important opportunity for learning at the time. Today we are building on that history by taking the Lectures from the Ri Theatre and into homes and schools all around the country.
Explore the CHRISTMAS LECTURES further with these exciting activities, great for both schools and families.
The CHRISTMAS LECTURES were introduced nearly 200 years ago, when there was little formal education for children, making them an important opportunity for learning at the time. Today we are building on that history by taking the Lectures from the Ri Theatre and into homes and schools all around the country.
Online Q&A and the Ri’s schools debate kits
Shortly after the 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES were broadcast, we opened our online Q&A with the scientists featured in the Lectures, and other experts in forensic science.
Organised in partnership with the team at 'I’m a scientist get me out of here', this student-led enrichment activity gave those aged 10-18 the opportunity to connect directly with experts from crime detection, academia and industry, on the subject of this year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES.
And then in the Spring, we launched our sixth debate kit for schools, with a thought-provoking and engaging question focused on an element of the 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES: Is DNA evidence reliable enough?
Our debate kits use characterisation and supporting materials to help students to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to adopt a ‘position’ and the confidence to voice an opinion.
We have also now launched our CHRISTMAS LECTURES resources packs in partnership with STEM Learning.
Get both the debate kit and the resource pack below.
Resources for teachers from the 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES
Resources from our 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES - 'The truth about AI'
'The Truth About AI'
In our 2023 lectures, Professor Mike Wooldridge revealed the truth about AI
- Watch the 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES here on BBC iPlayer
- If you're outside the UK, you can see the lectures on our YouTube channel here:
Get STEM learning resources: This list of resources from stem.org.uk gathers together activity sheets, videos, and other teacher resources on the subject of AI
The Ri Youth Summit
Ri Youth Summit was a facilitated discussion developed in partnership with the team at I’m a scientist, get me out of here.
In 2022 we held an online Summit on Wednesday 2 November and another in-person at the Ri on Monday 14 November.
Students at the Ri Youth Summit watched videos from experts and explored forensic science and its use in our criminal justice system.
They had the chance to vote for what they felt were the most important messages that came up in their discussions, with the conclusions shared with Professor Dame Sue Black, in turn helping her to include the thoughts of students from around the country into her 2022 CHRISTMAS LECTURES.
2023 Ri Youth Summit
To find out more and to give your students the chance to directly contribute to the 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES, contact xmaslecs@ri.ac.uk
The Ri Youth Summit is the ideal event for any student with interests across the sciences, social sciences and humanities, giving them a fun education enrichment opportunity.
Develop your students' critical thinking skills in conversations centred around the topic of the Christmas Lectures. Your students will engage in stimulating peer-to-peer discussions with other young people throughout the day.
