People often ask us what science inspired by Roald Dahl books is all about so basically what it is is experiments that have come to our minds when we read the books, and the science behind them.
Many years ago, as a recent science graduate, I was employed as a development chemist by Cadbury's. So instead of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory it was Christine and the Chocolate Factory. This proves that you don't have to find the golden ticket to get a job in a chocolate factory. The experiments for this book are a combination of inspiration from my work experience and of course the Roald Dahl book.
The Twits and the science associated with them is enough material for many a pHD! After a number of years working for Cadbury's I moved to Loctite - of superglue fame. The children will make a biodegradable glue to stick the Twits to the ceiling and we will also include some electronics so the Twits have a light in their house.
Jen, Alison and Michael all have experience working in the pharmaceutical industry. When making George's Marvellous Medicine we are going to find out about nutrition and make a delicious cold soup among other things.
For us, James and the Giant Peach has 2 different scientific strands associated with it. The first is about flight - could you make a peach fly. Then there are the bugs who help him escape - what a great opportunity for some entomology.
The Enormous Crocodile has inspired some Herpetology - to find out what that is you will have to come along to our camp!
Do your children need to be familiar with these stories before the camp? Not at all. Each day we will take a few minutes to introduce and summarise the book. Then we will get on with the experiments.