Rough Science - Series 1 (4 Parts)

Synopsis: Series in which five scientists are taken to a remote Mediterranean island, left with only the most basic of equipment and asked to use their scientific knowledge as survival skills to demonstrate how useful science is outside the laboratory.
1: The scientists attempt to pinpoint their exact longitude and latitude using only the most rudimentary of tools. For longitude they need to build a simple radio consisting of a crystal set and an aerial, then require a signal. They also attempt to create an insect repellent from plants.
2: The team attempt to make a flag dyed with natural dyes, construct a compass and build a working camera and take a photograph.
3: The team attempt to produce power by means of a windmill and a steamppowered generator and to build a pharmacy to produce natural remedies.
4: The challenge is to prepare a farewell banquet, create soap for washing up, produce toothpaste and build a record player. The scientists find uses for seaweed, tree bark and ground-up seashells.
Series: Rough Science, Series 1, Course Xs001
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of production: 2000
Notes: Open University series XS001. Broadcast on BBC2 from 26/5/00.
Documentation: Related website: www.open2net/science/roughscience
Subjects: Science
Keywords: alternative medicine; applied science; dyes; latitude; longitude; renewable energy resources

Producer

Paul Manners

Contributor

Cast

Kate Humble

Title: Where are we?
Synopsis: 1: The scientists attempt to pinpoint their exact longitude and latitude using only the most rudimentary of tools. For longitude they need to build a simple radio consisting of a crystal set and an aerial, then require a signal. They also attempt to creat
Title: What is there to do?
Synopsis: 2: The team attempt to make a flag dyed with natural dyes, construct a compass and build a working camera and take a photograph.
Title: Can we generate power?
Synopsis: 3: The team attempt to produce power by means of a windmill and a steamppowered generator and to build a pharmacy to produce natural remedies.
Title: What can we eat?
Synopsis: 4: The challenge is to prepare a farewell banquet, creat soap for washing up, produce toothpaste and build a record player. The scientists find uses for seaweed, tree bark and ground-up seashells.

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