Schoolchildren on trail to scientific knowledge

Posted on 17 March 2015

Schoolchildren will experience science in action this week as they take part in a series of interactive events at the University of York.

The University of York Science Trail 2015 is designed to bring science to life for students aged 13 - 15 from across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

This year’s programme, which includes 13 hands-on activities, provides an opportunity to work with students and leading academics from nine departments and centres across the University.

Activities will include identifying different mammals by studying skulls and leg bones with the Department of Archaeology, creating musical instruments using bananas with the Department of Electronics, and using plant materials to make plastic with the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence.

Thirteen schools will take part over five sessions in the annual event on 17 March, which has been held at York since 2005. Part of York’s Widening Participation programme, it targets young people from a variety of backgrounds, including those who might not have considered University as an option before.

Angela Morris, Widening Participation Officer at the University of York, said: “The Science Trail is a fantastic opportunity to excite pupils about Science and the vast range of fascinating directions it can take them at University and beyond.

“Pupils will be participating in a range of hands-on activities across campus working alongside academic experts and current students to enhance their studies and develop their science knowledge. We are delighted to be welcoming schools from across the region to participate in this collaborative event and are very grateful to colleagues for their involvement.”

The Science Trail is supported by The Excellence Hub, a partnership between the Universities of Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York which provides opportunities for young people to gain new experiences and enrich their learning in school or college.