Science Circus & Gollyology

Rhys Thomas teaches Newtonian physics using circus tricks. He has done this for over a decade for such venues as The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.; a world-wide television broadcast from AT&T Bell Labs; and science museums nationwide.

See for yourself: SCIENCE CIRCUS VIDEO.  

A former Junior High School teacher, Rhys decided he'd rather juggle knives. He couldn't cut out teaching, however, so he created "The Science Circus" - an exploration of Newtonian physics through circus arts. "Gollyology" is the sequel to "Science Circus."

Explore gravity through bowling ball juggling, gyroscopic stability through glass bowl spinning, centripetal force with cowboy lariats, center of mass on an acrobatic ladder, and inertia with the old tablecloth pull. Add the irresistable force of levity to even more tricks and you've got a rough idea of what the Science Circus is all about. 45-60 minutes of clear science and crazy shenanigans for school-age audiences, their parents, and teachers. Both shows are performable on any stage or gym floor within an area approximately 15'x15' and with a 10' or taller ceiling height.

To the right is a photo of Rhys discussing gyroscopics with nobel laureatte Arno Penzias (discoverer of the background radiation left over by the big bang).

For Museums
Science Circus and Gollyology shows are often used as patron and member events. They are great for drawing new families to any museum.

For Schools
A great assembly event, the Science Circus and Gollyology shows have wowed thousands of kids as an Oregon Museum of Science & Industry outreach program in 5 Northwest states. "The best assembly we've ever had," is a common statement in host schools.

For Theatres
The Science Circus is often used as an educational outreach program in conjunction with the "JuggleMania" stage show when presented by arts organizations. This gets artistic and educational performance into the schools and creates interest in the "JuggleMania" performance thus increasing attendance at the theater show. The Science Circus can, when sold to schools, be used to help fund the theater event.

Below, Rhys plays quoits at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Science Circus/Gollyology Pictures

Example Press Release.pdf

Basic 1 page Science Circus Promo Sheet.pdf

Science Circus Script Outline and Learning Guide.pdf