Firstly, Thursday 16th March is British Science Week 2017 Demo Day, so use it to inspire! The day is all about the ability of hands on science to fuel the imagination of young people. Primary schools are encouraged to pledge their participation as part of the national campaign. You can access a host of handy tips and example activities online at britishscienceweek.org/plan-your-activities/demo-day.
Secondly, British ChemLabs Research Chemists bring the world of interactive practical science to life through their outreach programme. The School of Chemistry and Bristol University have won awards form this engaging project which reaches 15, 000 primary pupils a year across the south coast. Allowing children to see and do live chemistry, the team can create the big experiments with all the sounds and sights you may struggle to do.
So what does a typical visit involve? Firstly there is a whole school science assembly, where dry ice and liquid nitrogen help to answer pupil questions about changes in states of matter and reversible and irreversible change. The very entertaining talk is all scientifically accurate as it throws out great did you know facts for both staff and students to enjoy.
Meanwhile behind the scenes PHD chemists convert a classroom into a laboratory for the day, where children participate in a two hour bonaza of experiments under the care of professionals. The practical activities are designed to inspire and to development measuring, observation and teamwork skills.
One testimonial reads: ‘I just wanted to say an enormous thank you for coming into school today for what was clearly a brilliant assembly! You really did go out with a BANG! You had the children eating out the palm of your hand by the end. To have over 200 children completely transfixed throughout 1 hour and 10 minutes is a mighty achievement.’
Explore some top Science destinations with our subject specific guidance.
For more information please contact Tim Harrision at t.g.harrision@bristol.ac.uk.
