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Franklin’s Young Inventors: ‘Give me a second’ with Andrew Hanson

Text 'give me a second' and clock

Tuesday 23 March, 4.30pm GMT. Register here for this 30-minute virtual class.

Franklin’s Young Inventors is our weekly science club for aspiring scientists in Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14). This week we’re delighted to welcome special guest Andrew Hanson who will show you how to make a time recording machine!

Andrew Hanson MBE is a scientist working at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) who make some of the most accurate clocks in the world. In this session you’ll create your very own time recording machine inspired partly by Franklin’s three-wheeled clock design.

To join in with the (optional though recommended) inventing bit – you will need:

  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • A 50cm length of string
  • A rod (e.g. pencil or chopstick), to hang the string from
  • A clip or peg to make easy adjustments of string on rod
  • A weight (bob) e.g. holed stone or Lego
  • A timer (e.g. stopwatch on phone or tablet)
  • Paper and pencil to record result

Please note only adults can register on behalf of children, adult supervision is required for the practical experiment. By registering, participants agree to follow our Online Safety Agreement. For more information, contact our Education Manager.

Funding for Franklin’s Young Inventors has generously been provided by the United States Government and the DAR Walter Hines Page Chapter.