Young people hit the trail to scientific knowledge
Posted on 25 March 2010
Nearly 270 teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, from 14 schools across Yorkshire, will take part in a range of hands-on activities designed to open young minds to the wonders of science and medicine.
Activities include discovering how to use paint to stop chocolate melting, creating characters in a virtual world and trying out some novel ways to test blood pressure.
Young people taking part in this exciting event will discover that science is both interesting and fun
Dr Sarah Mitchell
There will also be the opportunity to see how plant breeding is helping to cure malaria, to analyse samples taken from a ‘crime’ scene and to locate the source of 3D sound.
The 2010 University of York Science Trail, which is funded by the Yorkshire and Humber Excellence Hub, is the most ambitious since its establishment five years ago. More than a dozen University departments and centres, the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) and the York Neuroimaging Centre will help youngsters to explore different aspects of science from studying how lichens can ‘monitor’ air quality to making a chemical ‘clock’ that changes colour on cue.
The event on 29 March gives each group of school students an opportunity to participate in a range of hands-on science activities (five different sessions of 40 minutes each) around the University campus, and to experience the types of science engagement that are not normally available in schools.
During the day, more than 30 teachers accompanying the school parties will also be learning - they will take part in continuing professional development workshops in the National Science Learning Centre which is also on campus.
University events manager, Dr Sarah Mitchell, said: “We are sure that the young people taking part in this exciting event will discover that science is both interesting and fun. We hope the Science Trail will inspire and encourage young people to consider science and technology as the key to an exciting career."
Notes to editors:
- More information about the Excellence Hub for Yorkshire and Humber at http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/uao/excellencehub/.
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