Glasgow Science Centre
A Spark of Science
Join us for this two-minute podcast where we explore a different scientific concept each week. Did you know that a Scottish mountain helped measure the weight of the Earth, or that octopuses are amazing escape artists? Discover what it was like for cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be the first to launch into space and listen to some inspiring stories from people working in science today. What else will you discover with a Spark of Science? Get in touch on twitter @gsc1 or visit https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/the-spark-magazine
Author
Glasgow Science Centre
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Sep 15, 2025
Where to listen?
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Episodes
69: The chemistry of colour - Fireworks 03.04.2023 2:33
Have you ever wondered how fireworks get their colour or even how they are made? Join us as we explore the science of these spectacular combustibles. First broadcast on 05/11/2021
68: Deep sea and climate change 03.04.2023 2:08
Take a trip with us in a submarine as we explore the deep sea. How did life adapt to this harsh environment and how is it being effected by climate change. First broadcast on 29/10/2021
67: Cracking caramelisation 03.04.2023 2:20
What happens to a marshmallow when roasted over a fire? Why is this so delicious? Explore the science of this and other cracking caramelisations. First broadcast on 22/10/2021
66: No such thing as a silly question 03.04.2023 2:12
Do you have a question that you think is too silly to ask? Well we don't believe in silly questions. Here are some interesting space questions that we have been asked at GSC. First broadcast on 15/10/2021
65: E-waste 03.04.2023 1:48
Globally only one fifth of electrical waste is recycled, wasting loads of materials that can be reused or repaired. Join us as we discuss ways to help reduce waste and recycle these precious resources. First broadcast on 08/10/2021
64: Make your mark 03.04.2023 2:06
Follow the story of how Glasgow Science Centre involved the local community to help transform our dull grey security bollards into something a bit more eye catching and exciting. First broadcast on 01/10/2021
63: What is COP26? 03.04.2023 1:44
COP26, the 26th Conference of Parties was held in Glasgow in November 2021. Join us as we discuss what COP is and what decisions were made to help the world tackle climate change. First broadcast on 24/09/2021
62: Fibonacci garden 03.04.2023 1:54
Math's is the language of Science, and as part of Math Weeks Scotland we looking at the Fibonacci sequence, which is the inspiration behind our Fibonacci spiral garden. First broadcast on 17/09/2021
61: Pollen season and climate change 03.04.2023 1:33
*AHCHOO* Do you suffer from hay fever? Did you know that climate change could be making your symptoms worse? Explore how scientists are monitoring pollen levels to help better understand what's making you sneeze. First broadcast on 10/09/2021
60: GSC's outdoor space 03.04.2023 2:29
The outer space at Glasgow Science Centre has had a makeover with the addition of hundreds of new plants and trees. Come explore our new garden, and learn some of the ways this is helping our environment. First broadcast on 03/09/2021
59: Climate conversations 03.04.2023 2:06
Vertical farms and electric buses are two ways that Scotland is trying to reduce its impact on the environment. What other ways could we tackle climate change? Join in the climate conversation with GSC. First broadcast on 27/08/2021
58: Brilliant bubbles 03.04.2023 2:13
Have you ever seen a bubble wobble through the air and wondered: why does it shimmer with all the colours of the rainbow? In this episode of 'A Spark of Science,' we're finding out! First broadcast on 20/08/21
57: The truth about the T-Rex 03.04.2023 1:44
Despite being arguably the most popular dinosaur, there is a lot of misconceptions about the T-Rex. Learn all about the recent discoveries regarding the undisputed lizard king. First broadcast on 13/08/2021
56: Going for gold 03.04.2023 1:41
Did you know that Olympic athletes are scientists too? Learn about how they use science to improve their technique and hopefully achieve that gold! First broadcast on 06/08/2021
55: Changing Arctic 03.04.2023 2:23
Do you have what it takes to go on an scientific expedition to Svalbard a Norwegian island in the Artic Ocean? You will be measuring light and taking ice samples in order to find out about the creatures that live there. First broadcast on 30/07/2021
54: What glows below 03.04.2023 2:05
An estimated 80% of our oceans remain unexplored begging the question what could live deep down below? We will introduce yo u to some of the fantastically weird dwellers who make the bottom of the sea their home. First broadcast on 23/07/2021
53: Air Pollution 03.04.2023 1:58
Did you know air pollution can shorten our lives by several months? Join us as we highlight the ways we can improve the quality of the air we breathe. First broadcast on 16/07/2021
52: Scottish science - George Bennie Railplane 03.04.2023 2:23
In this episode of 'A Spark of Science,' We learn all about the railplane, created by Scottish inventor George Bennie in 1892. Learn about this sleek, futuristic, high-speed, gliding train that never became a reality. First broadcast on 09/07/2021
51: Favourite scientific breakthroughs of the last 20 years 03.04.2023 2:27
In this week's 'A Spark of Science,' we're celebrating our 20th birthday by looking back at some of our favourite scientific discoveries and events from the past 20 years. From sky tractors to 3D prosthetic limbs, the possibilities are endless with science! First broadcast on 02/07/2021
50: Astrobiology 03.04.2023 1:57
In this special edition of A Spark of Science, join Mario from the Astrobiology department at the Open University. Find out about looking for life on other planets and his experience as a gay man in science. First broadcast on 25/06/2021
49: Explore! 03.04.2023 2:22
Join us as we talk about some favourite exhibits in the Explore Gallery, here at Glasgow Science Centre. Will your inner scientist be delighted by magnets and electricity or dazzled by mechanics and mathematics? First broadcast on 18/06/21
48: The secret life of grass 03.04.2023 1:54
Have you ever stopped to look at the grass in the parks or in your garden? Join us as we talk about this amazing plant makes up about one-quarter of all the plants here on Earth. First broadcast on 11/06/2021
47: The wolf tone 03.04.2023 2:19
Have you heard of the wolf tone? Join us as we explore this strange howling noise which comes from the vibration of musical instruments. First broadcast on 04/06/21
46: Light and long-distance measuring 03.04.2023 1:56
Waves, photons and long-distance measuring, we're exploring the world of light. This special episode of A Spark of Science features the Centre for Doctoral Training and Applied Photonics. First broadcast on 28/05/2021
45: Backyard Bioblitz 03.04.2023 2:03
Join us as we explore the creatures that live in our gardens and parks. We will be talking about habitats, the creatures that live there and what food they might eat as we go on a backyard bioblitz! First broadcast on 21/05/2021
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