Exploring science on the University’s Science Trail
Posted on 21 March 2007
Nearly 170 teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, from six schools throughout York and North Yorkshire, will take part in a range of hands-on activities designed to open young minds to the wonders of science.
We hope that what [the young people] see and do on the Science Trail will stimulate them to an even greater interest in science and scientific study
Dr Sarah Mitchell
Run by the University’s science departments, the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) and the York Neuroimaging Centre, the trail will give pupils the chance to take part in a variety of scientific experiments. These include a chance to find out how the forensic examination of animal bones helps archaeologists unravel how our ancestors lived, solve a murder mystery using DNA sequencing software, find out more about their voice and learn how pop records are produced, and how mobile phones work.
There will also be the opportunity to drive an electric wheelchair using head movements to steer, learn about sharks with marine biologists, get hands-on experience of diagnostic tests using medical equipment, and observe how brain activity is measured by using a scanner.
The event on Wednesday 21 March marks the end of the York Festival of Science and Technology, organised by Science City York.
During the day, some teachers will join the scientific activities with their pupils, while some will take part in continuing professional development workshops held in the National Science Learning Centre.
Science Trail organiser, Dr Sarah Mitchell said: "The young people will have the opportunity to sample a variety of hands-on activities that will show how science is fascinating and fun. We hope that what they see and do on the Science Trail will stimulate them to an even greater interest in science and scientific study".
Notes to editors:
- Science City York was established in 1998 as a partnership between the University of York, the City of York Council, Yorkshire Forward and private industry. In 2003, Science City York was cited in the Treasury’s Lambert Review as an exemplar of Business-University Collaboration. More than 9,000 people are employed in science, technology and support occupations in businesses and organisations in Science City York and other areas of technology and research based at the University. The Science City York partnership which has created more than 2,600 new jobs since 1998, places science and technology at the heart of the local economy and aims to create a further 15,000 high technology jobs by 2021.
- The National Science Learning Centre delivered its first course on 1 November 2005. The only facility of its kind in the world, it provides the highest quality professional development for teachers of science and technicians from across the UK. The Wellcome Trust is providing £25 million to fund the Centre, which is open to everyone involved in the teaching of science, in primary and secondary schools and FE colleges.
- The Science Trail has been sponsored by SETPOINT North Yorkshire The purpose of SETPOINT is to work with partner organisations, schools and local businesses to provide information and support activities which enhance and enrich the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) curriculum. In North Yorkshire, the SETPOINT is housed within the offices of NYBEP Ltd. NYBEP is the lead body for education business links in the City of York and North Yorkshire. They support mutually beneficial links between education and business by managing high quality programmes for students in readiness for their working life.