South west schools celebrate science

Pupils aged eight to 18, from 18 schools across the south west, are booked to attend 25 different events on the University’s campuses in Exeter and Cornwall. Some will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art surveying and mineral analysis equipment, while others will use a machine invented by engineering students to model chocolate using ‘Additive Layer Manufacturing’ techniques. The youngest visitors will be making slime and silly putty and handling real skeletons to find out how animals and fish move under water.

Children will also discover how University research is furthering our understanding of subjects like climate change, the human body and the origins of the universe. To mark the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth, children will learn how a round-the-world voyage inspired the famous scientist to come up with his theory of evolution. Everyone will have the chance to experience science in one of the UK’s top 20 universities.

University of Exeter Outreach Manager Emma Stephenson said: “National Science and Engineering Week gives the University the perfect opportunity to share the excitement of scientific discovery with local students. Our academics are providing activities that demonstrate the most recent research they are undertaking and give students the chance to get involved. Through these demonstrations, workshops and lectures we hope that we can show how diverse scientific study can be and we would love it if some of the students who visit us during the week are persuaded to think seriously about studying science subjects at a higher level. Owl pellets to chocolate via the stars - we've got it all.”

National Science and Engineering Week runs from 6–15 March across the UK.