Writing

As well as scripts for quite a few TV programmes and short films, I have written articles for a number of print magazines as well as several online publications, including The Times, the Guardian Science Blog, Comment is Free, spiked, firstscience.com and lablit.com. Below are some examples of my writing:

King of the Universe: A piece for The Times Science Blog in which I argue that the word “insignificant” is misused by those who talk about our place in the universe.

God in the Classroom: A piece for the Guardian’s Comment is Free site about how good science teaching inevitably challenges the religious beliefs of some children.

No, I don’t believe in God: Another piece for the Guardian’s Comment is Free site about my atheism

Is the science curriculum serving the needs of future scientists?: An article for The Times in which I argue that the current national curriculum for science is failing all our students.

The Serious Pursuit of African Science: An article about the importance of supporting and developing scientific research in Africa.

How Science Works isn’t Working: A piece for the New Scientist “S-Word” blog about the failings of the “how science works” aspect of the national curriculum

Bring back the nightmares: A piece in which I lament the demise of anti-nuclear literature.

Skincare Myths: A summary of the nonsense in skincare adverts.

My kids think I’m a boffin: How the stereotype of ” the mad scientist” lingers in schoolchildren’s minds

Credit where credit’s due: A piece about the usefulness of metaphors in science and why we should remember the people who come up with them.

Good effort, could do better: My verdict on free educational science videos on the net.

The Lab Reporters: My take on what “science communicators” do, and what they should do.

New Horizons: An article about the emergence of science TV on the web.

Painting with Numbers: A review of the movie Proof and of a “mathematical photography” exhibition.

Why is Science Important?: An interview about the making of my “Why is Science Important?” project