Bob fixes science in young minds

By Sean Coughlan
BBC News education reporter

Bob and helpers get down to some practical science

As London stage premieres go, it is certainly not one of your typical Lloyd Webber numbers.

There's a very large construction worker in a yellow helmet organising a team of builders who barely reach up to the top of his plastic boots.

They're mending a wall, sorting out the guttering, building steps ... they would probably do you an asphalt drive if you had a word with the main man.

Can they fix it?

This is the first public performance of Bob the Builder, Live at the Science Museum - a fluorescent hybrid of children's television and the building blocks of learning.

DID YOU KNOW? First appearance on BBC in 1999 Bob has a twin brother called Tom who is a zoologist In Germany, he's called Bob der Baumeister DVD and video sales: 27m Favourite food: cheddar cheese sandwiches Can We Fix It? Biggest selling single of 2002 Favourite sport: tennis Sidekick Lofty has his own catchphrase: "Yes, we can - er I think so."

Bob and his buddies sing, dance and organise teams of infants into carrying out tasks - in part of the Science Museum that has now been re-decorated as Sunflower Valley.

It is also a sign of the times for how museums have to have box office appeal.

This venerable Victorian institution, a shrine to inventors and scientific progress, now resounds to Bob's own relentless anthem. "Bob the Builder, can we fix it?"

Bob, Wendy and Spud, children of the 1990s, now share a floor of the museum with the displays showing the designs and engineering behind the Spitfire. There is an engine and an understated pilot's leather jacket in a glass case.

Bob takes an upbeat approach to the subject

Meanwhile in Sunflower Valley next door, the joint is jumping.

Children are clapping and singing along, there are tasks that weave in themes about recyling, counting, shapes, measurements and teamwork. It is an unusual blend of a children's party and pre-school science.

The Science Museum, which already packs them in with its hands-on Launch Pad Gallery, says there is a "natural fit" between the museum and Bob the Builder.

"This live interactive show is underpinned by the Science Museum's ethos of learning.

"Without even realising it, children will be learning the basics of scientific method - observation, testing ideas out, evaluating results," says the head of the museum, Jon Tucker.

Five-year-old Josephine had to give back the helmet

Does it work? Five-year-old Josephine, from Ashmead school in Deptford, enjoys the songs, is impressed by Wendy's organisational skills - and is full of her own pipe-fitting achievements.

But was it the real Bob? "Or is he at home with Wendy on television?"

It is hard to tell her that it's an actor in a giant plastic suit who probably set out wanting to be in a Brecht play.

Is this up-beat performance how science should be taught? We are always hearing about the need for more people to take science subjects for the skills shortages.

Or is this just dumbing down - using science to get the kids into the merchandising shop?

"Science should always be fun," says Alan Rhodes, executive director at the Association for Science Education, who says he is all in favour of using characters like Bob to get young children interested.

And particularly for this very young age group, he says learning should be about creative play and getting involved in hands-on, practical activities, exploring materials and shapes.

"These are the foundations of proper science. You don't need to force the subject," said Mr Rhodes.

Altogether now: "Yes we can."