Big Manny (Emanuel Wallace ) is a science-first content creator and music artist. With a master’s degree in biomedical science, Manny creates age-friendly and class-friendly content that is entertaining, educational, and experimental. Manny has a combined following of 2.9 million on TikTok and Instagram, has appeared on Blue Peter and regularly collaborates with BBC Bitesize.
We had a conversation with Manny about his new book Science is Lit: Awesome Electricity and Mad Magnets. Out Today!
When I was at school, I enjoyed building circuits. That excited me. I also remember doing experiment with magnets, moving iron fillings, and thinking it looks like magic – using the magnets to move things without magic. That’s what fascinated me. Magnetism is like moving things with your mind!
Can you tell us one myth about magnets that is true.
People know a compass always points north, that’s a fact everyone knows is true. But that is because there is a magnet inside the compass and magnets always points north, so they move the compass’ needle.
Did you discover anything new or surprising while writing the book even as the science guy?
Yes definitely. I’d say the friction experiments was were I learnt more about air resistance and water resistance – you know resistance doesn’t have to involve solids. It can occur in all states of matter – liquid, solids and gases. I found that very interesting.
If you could power your lab with any natural energy source from the book, which one would it be and why?
It would have to be solar power. Because it’s a powerful energy sources, always present every day through the sun so you’re not going to run out. It very easily accessible.
What message do you hope young scientists take away from the book?
I hope they become more curious and start to think more deeply. When I was a child I used to wonder how things worked and was always trying to understand how things worked behind the scenes. I want to encourage children to be curious and ask questions – to think deeply about every day things work.
Quick Fire Round