News

Friday 9 March 2007

Fun-packed week planned for budding scientists

The scientists of tomorrow will build molecules, make slime, and look at how chemicals in cabbages can cause colour changes at Nottingham Trent University today. The Models to Microbes activity day is the first in a series of hands-on activities planned at the University to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week (March 9-18).  

Hundreds of pupils from schools across the East Midlands will converge on the Clifton campus for the event, organised by the University’s Centre for Effective Learning in Science (CELS). It aims to celebrate science and engineering and their importance in everyone’s lives.

On Monday and Wednesday students will take part in Microbiology – CSI: Contaminated Site Investigation, which looks at how microbiologists discover the bacteria causing a deadly disease outbreak. They will have a go at identifying bacteria by viewing it through a microscope, and attempt to isolate it from samples.

Also on Monday, the Society for Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge from Hungary will present Astronomical Playground. This will use a hands-on workshop to answer searching questions about the sun, moon and stars, and pupils will get to see how a rocket works. The session will include a visit to Nottingham Trent University’s new observatory.

A mini-beasts master class will take place on Tuesday, allowing pupils to explore the different species of invertebrates in two contrasting habitats. They will also get to use electronic and mechanical measuring instruments to take environmental readings.

CELS Outreach Coordinator, Dr Georgina Westbrook, said:

“CELS aims to inspire young people to think about science and its uses and this is a great way of achieving that. We have an excellent series of events taking place this year, all of which support the curriculum and engage pupils in a fun and exciting way.”

ENDS

Notes for editors: CELS aims to create a more relevant, accessible and achievable image for science within both the higher education and school communities. Based on the university’s excellent record in science teaching and nationally recognised widening participation activities, CELS enables academic teams to develop and trial new approaches to teaching and presenting science to both communities.

National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated nationally by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science).

Press enquiries please contact: Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on Tel: 0115 848 8782, or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk

or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk