Science Day on 12 July 2011 involved student visitors from Abraham Darby Academy and from The Lord Silkin School. The aim of the day was to introduce a range of specialist areas and experiments to bring science to life.

Kate Roberts, Head of Science and Maths said: “This has been an amazing day. It’s all been about raising aspirations and encouraging more young people to seriously think about a future in science. We’re hearing more and more about career opportunities in science and engineering and one thing is certain – in future employers will need a lot more people who can solve some of the big problems and opportunities facing the planet.”

Gayle Pearson, PHD Student at Keele University led the workshop on ‘Fireworks, Stink Bombs and Magic Bullets’. Year 9 students from local schools watched as Gayle explained how Chemistry is responsible for everything around us – including the chemical reactions keeping each of us going. She then showed a range of practical experiments from breaking down Hydrogen, to explaining how Glowsticks and medical treatments work.

The ‘Diversity of Applied Sciences’ session from Wolverhampton University was presented by: Lynda Birch, Associate Lecturer, Biological Science; David Williams, Senior Lecturer, Environmental Health and Ken Oliver, Associate Lecturer, Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation. This session included a practical experiment showing how fast ‘bacteria’ can be transmitted from hand to hand in humans (using protective gloves and simulated bacteria) through to graphic explanations on understanding animal droppings. Students also had the opportunity to use the technology now available to track elusive wild animals.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Clive Wood, Press Office on 01952 641892 or email clivew@nct.ac.uk