Rough Science

Rough Science (2000-2005)

EndedDocumentary show

Science - tricky enough with a white coat, top-of-the-range instruments and a warm lab. But what would happen if you took a team of scientists, dumped them in an unforgiving environment and told them to get on with it?

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday (30 min)

Last Episode

Photo
Season 6Episode 630 min

Photo

The Rough Science team face their final challenge. They must take a memento of the mill and send it, by air, along a valley to Kate. Mike and Hermione decide to take a silver-nitrate photograph while Ellen and Jonathan hope to make hydrogen balloons to get the image to Kate. As silver compounds were used in early photography, Hermione hopes that some of the rock taken from the mine they explored last time will contain enough silver for their photograph. But when she casts an expert eye over the rock, Hermione can’t find any silver ore. So she decides to search for more promising rocks in an old silver mine. Mike’s job is to make nitric acid to react with Hermione’s silver ore and he chooses an unlikely source, horse manure. But can a combination of manure and stones produce a recognisable photograph? If the photo does get taken, there's still the problem of delivery. Jonathan and Ellen decide to make a hydrogen balloon with a timed release mechanism. Jonathan sets about making hydrogen using bits of zinc and acid while Ellen figures out how to use the wind to their advantage. Having made a wind speed detector from an old fan and voltmeter, Ellen has to figure out how to make the photograph drop into Kate’s eagerly waiting hands. It's touch and go as to whether the delivery system will work - and if there's something to deliver. Join the team to discover if they end their time in Colorado with a victory - or if they're heading home defeated.
Dec 7, 2005

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S06E06PhotoDec 7, 2005
S06E05MineNov 30, 2005
S06E04CleanNov 23, 2005
S06E03MountainNov 16, 2005
S06E02SafetyNov 9, 2005
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Rough Science premiere?

Rough Science premiered on October 23, 2000.

Where was the first season of Rough Science filmed?

The first season of Rough Science was filmed on the Island of Capraia, Italy.

Who was the host of Rough Science?

Rough Science did not have a traditional host but was instead narrated by Kate Humble.

What was the format of Rough Science?

The show followed a group of scientists as they were given various challenges to complete using only the local resources available to them.

How many challenges did the contestants on Rough Science have to complete in each episode?

The contestants on Rough Science had to complete two challenges in each episode.

How long did each episode of Rough Science run?

Each episode of Rough Science ran for approximately one hour.

How many people competed in each season of Rough Science?

There were usually five scientists who competed in each season of Rough Science.

Did the contestants on Rough Science have access to modern equipment?

No, the contestants on Rough Science were only allowed to use local resources to complete their challenges, they had to build their own equipment.

What were some of the challenges the contestants on Rough Science had to complete?

The challenges on Rough Science included creating a camera obscura, making soap, and generating electricity.

Where was the second season of Rough Science filmed?

The second season of Rough Science was filmed in the Caribbean on Carriacou Island.

Was Rough Science an educational show?

Yes, Rough Science was designed to be an educational show that taught science in an entertaining and accessible way.

Did Rough Science have international appeal?

Yes, Rough Science was a popular show that aired in many countries around the world.

Did Rough Science have any spin-off shows?

No, Rough Science did not have any spin-off shows.

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