Live Events and Science Shows

Hidden heroines of the periodic table

Why is Marie Curie such a scientific star? Which element was discovered twice by women – but is credited to a team of men? And who worked out which elements were fuelling the Sun but had her ideas dismissed by her boss?

In this entertaining and illustrated talk that draws on my book Cracking the Elements, I reveal untold stories of the hidden heroines behind the elements of the periodic table – exactly 150 years old in 2019.

Contact me to book this talk during the International Year of the Periodic Table.

TextWorkshop text-writing training

With Dea Birkett, I have run TextWorkshop for over ten years, giving inspirational text-writing training to museums, galleries, science centres, libraries and other organisations including the Scottish Parliament. See www.textworkshop.co.uk for more details.

Delegates on our courses have said:

“It exceeded my expectations – I feel more confident in writing in an engaging manner and remembering what’s the exciting part about objects and museum stories rather than getting bogged down in waffle.”

“Rebecca and Dea as entertaining and informative as ever.”

Cracking the Elements Live

Surprising stories and dramatic demos get a fantastic reaction in this entertaining science show all about the periodic table. Rebecca Mileham, author of Cracking the Elements, and Andres Tretiakov, chemist-demonstrator, introduce the most explosive and intriguing elements it is safe to show you, celebrating the best of the periodic table’s untold stories and unsung pioneers.

Element samples to touch, made by Andres Tretiakov.

Cracking the Elements Workshop

Get to grips with the periodic table in this hands-on workshop that explores the untold stories and unsung pioneers behind the chemical elements. Rebecca Mileham, author of Cracking the Elements, and Andres Tretiakov, chemist-demonstrator, introduce the most explosive and intriguing elements it is safe to show you, and give you the chance to see, smell and experiment for yourself.

Get in touch to discuss how we can bring our firepower to your festival, event or party.