Over 700 local school pupils were inspired by science, today, as Bath Taps into Science began at the University of Bath (Friday 13 March). Twenty different primary and secondary schools from Bath and the surrounding area came to enjoy the hands-on science fun, having a go at understanding why things work as they do.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Over 700 local school pupils were inspired by science, today, as Bath Taps into Science began at the University of Bath ( Friday 13 March ).
Twenty different primary and secondary schools from Bath and the surrounding area came to enjoy the hands-on science fun, having a go at understanding why things work as they do.
Some of the science stands were manned by local school students who have trained as ‘expert presenters’ and were able to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visiting schools.
Pupils from Broadlands School in Keynsham ran their own ‘kitchen chemistry’ stand, using everyday household products to demonstrate nine different experiments including a disappearing test-tube and collapsing drink cans.
Laura Farag, aged 12, said of the fair: “It’s really good. I’ve been doing experiments every lunchtime at school and it’s really cool. It’s quite weird being the teacher but good.”
Science teacher Cassie Bullas from Broadlands said: “These kids are already interested in science but they wouldn’t necessarily think about it outside the classroom. The fair is excellent at promoting science – they are all so excited and engaged – and it’s helping them to understand what university is all about.
“Some of them are a little shy and getting them to talk to other kids about what they’re doing is great for their social skills. They’re questioning why things happen, making predictions, and learning from each other, which is really important.”
Ruth Roberts, a teacher from Farmborough Primary School brought her class to the fair and said: “It’s really, really good fun. We’ve been before and we love coming. It’s a really good way to get the children interested in science and talking to people to find out why things happen.”
Mathematics professor Chris Budd, from the University of Bath and one of the event organisers, said: “It’s very exciting to see school students demonstrating science to their peers, as these will be the scientists of tomorrow.”
Families and shoppers can enjoy the fair’s second day at Bath’s Green Park Station on Saturday 14 March ( 10am to 4pm ). Entrance is free. For more information please see the Related Links
The annual fair is run as part of National Science & Engineering Week ( 6-15 March ) and this year it is one of three festivals in the UK shortlisted for an award from the British Science Association.
It is organised, run and supported by hundreds of volunteers from the University of Bath, Bath Spa University and the City of Bath College together with Keele University Earth Sciences Education Unit and organisations including the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, The Ethical Property Group, B&NES Waste Services, the Herschel Society, Wessex Setpoint, the Propioception Trust and Science City Bristol.
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