National Science and Engineering Week, 2006

Science and maths with the fun bits left in! This was an exciting, fun-packed journey through experimentation based in science and maths.

Through the use of drama, pupils explored the way in which an ear works. The session, brought to NTU by the Institute of Hearing, was interactive with pupils taking part in a drama exercise looking at the components of the ear and their role in interpreting sounds.

This fascinating investigation delved into the miniature world of invertebrates. Students explored the different species of invertebrates in two contrasting habitats. They then used electronic and mechanical measuring instruments to take environmental readings.

Students learned how gravity and air resistance control the flight of a projectile. Using a range of forensic science techniques, students put this theory into practice by participating in one of three fascinating experiments.

This interactive workshop, brought to NTU by the Institute of Hearing, demonstrated how important face movement is when communicating with people. Pupils explored their own face movements using cameras and discovered more about how what we see can effect what we hear.

This session gave students the chance to discover the fascinating world of genetic fingerprinting. Students extracted DNA from cheek cells and then practiced some of the techniques used in genetic fingerprinting. 

This session began by taking look at the methods used in synthesising household medicines such as paracetamol and aspirin. Students then took part in a practical spectroscopy session allowing them to see NMR, IR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry in action.

Using illustrations, audience participation and demonstrations, students explored what happens to drug molecules inside the human body. They then looked "beyond the molecule" to uncover the way in which the chemical drug interacts with the biological patient.

This fascinating lecture looked at research in the field of microbiology and its relevance to our lives. The lecture was then followed by a question and answer session and a discussion about careers in microbiology.

This exciting afternoon explored industrial applications, research and how physics affects our daily lives. The afternoon concluded with a demonstration of the principles of MRI using a bicycle wheel.