2,200 children inspired by science

MORE than 2,200 children from across the North West have been inspired to a greater interest in science as a result of working with the STFC Daresbury Laboratory, near Warrington in the past academic year.
Pupils have learned from experiments they can try at home right through to the cutting edge particle physics research due to be carried out at CERN in Geneva.
Over the year, Daresbury Laboratory has hosted a series of events and also gone out to schools to deliver activities to children aged 7-16.
Events on at the laboratory have included “Exploding Custard,” which looked at DIY kitchen-table science experiments for young scientists; “Blown up biology,” a multi-media show with images of live microscope specimens; looking at whether time travel is possible in “Black holes, wormholes and time machines,” with Professor Jim Al-Khali; and discovering more about superstring theory with the help of the sound of rock guitar.
As well as lectures at the Laboratory, there have been other events for schools including A-Level Physics masterclasses and special “star parties” where young people have the chance to star gaze; as well as providing a popular outreach service to schools across the region with its StarLab facility, where young people can find out more about astronomy and other sciences.
Tony Buckley, head of Science and Society at Daresbury, said: “STFC is at the very forefront of important world-leading science and our outreach programmes with schools and the public aim to provide opportunities for people of all ages to become engaged with the latest cutting-edge research and its outcomes.
“We want to help teachers make science education inspiring for young people, and many don’t necessarily make the connection between what they learn in school and the magical role and application of science in their everyday lives.
“Engaging children and young people to take an active interest in science is critical to the UK’s economic future. Seeing modern scientific research and meeting real scientists who can convey the excitement and interest of their work is one of the best ways of encouraging them to consider a career in either science, technology, engineering or maths.”
A schools programme has been organised for the next academic year, with lectures and masterclasses focusing on important issues such as sustainability, developments in artificial intelligence and particle physics; as well as October’s annual mini science festival, run jointly with the North West branch of the British Science Association, which will have a full programme of lectures, tours and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
More details are available from Science in Society on 01925 603040 or email [email protected].