CELEBRATING SCIENCE
Science is fun! That's the message to families from organisers of an action-packed day of hands-on learning at the
Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library in the Forum, Norwich.
Hundreds of people are expected to
attend the special Celebrating Science event, being held on Friday 7 March, to
highlight Science Week 2003.
Workshops include Crazy Chemistry
Mayhem, Fizzing Physics Fun and Monstrous Stuff, when everyone is invited to
rediscover science and learn how it impacts on everyday life. Hands-on activities include model making,
wildlife challenges and competitions.
Eleven year old James Senior from Robert Kett Junior School in Wymondham
will be demonstrating his robot monkey, winner of Channel 4’s Techno Wars
competition. And high schools from across the county will be showcasing Key
Stage 3 science project work.
Organised by Norfolk County Council,
the special event has been designed to change perceptions that science is dull
and boring, marking the launch of a new government science strategy for
schools. Special guests will include Secretary of State for Education and Norwich South MP Charles Clarke and Dr
Ian Gibson MP who represents Norwich North.
“Science is exciting and can be
fantastic fun,” said Mike Land, Norfolk County Council’s Key Stage 3 Science
Adviser / Alec Byrne. “Motivation and inspiration are the key. We are working
hard to get youngsters – especially 11 – 14 year olds, more interested in
science and have produced a new strategy aiming at achieving that.”
Head of Norfolk's Libraries Jennifer Holland explained that libraries also
have a role to play in engaging students in science:
“It’s all about bringing science to
life and demonstrating that learning can be great fun. We want young people to be inspired and left
with a thirst to know more – after all, libraries have a tremendous amount to
offer an inquisitive mind.”
She added that the library service was
delighted to be working closely with schools to help promote the new strategy
and encourage students to take advantage of library resources.
Costumed actors will add a touch of
drama to the day, while Norfolk Wildlife Trust is inviting visitors to take a
close look at items such as birds’ wings and sculls and to try their hand at
owl pellet dissection. And gardeners
will have the chance to get an expert opinion on the quality of their
soil.
Scientists from the University of East
Anglia will be demonstrating their work on climate change, as well as teaching
materials developed by their Postgraduate Certificate of Education science
students.
And the fun is not restricted to the
Millennium Library, for a county-wide library quiz offers families the chance
to win a trip to the Science Museum in
London.
Entrance to the event is free and open
to everyone. Celebrating Science
workshops run from 9am – 4pm with displays of wacky facts and school project
work remaining on show at the Millennium Library until Friday 14 March.
PRESS
CALL
Date: Friday 7 March 2003
Place: Forum,
Norwich
Event: Celebrating Science
Event
Background: A press release is attached
Photo: Crazy Chemistry: Education Minister Charles Clarke gets hand-on
Monstrous Stuff: School pupils look for answers in an
owl pellet
History alive: costumed actors almost come to blows
as they debate science history
Contact: Mike Land KS3 Science Adviser
Norfolk Education Advisory Services
01603 433276