Big Thinking for Young Scientists

More than 60 teams from schools across the country will next week put their knowledge of science to the test at the University of Birmingham Physics Big Quiz 2008.

Organised by the university's Outreach department and the School of Physics and Astronomy, the event – which takes place on 16 January - is aimed at celebrating physics and raising the aspirations of young people to study and enjoy the sciences.

The quiz, which takes place in the Great Hall at the university's Edgbaston campus, will see more than 250 students aged between 13 and 14, battling it out on the different aspects of physics, with a specialist round on particle physics. Physics students will also be taking part in an interactive activity –from the wonders of liquid nitrogen to building remote controlled robotic vehicles from Lego.

The final round will see the highest scoring six teams battling it out in a fastest finger on the buzzer session to decide the Physics Big Quiz 2008 Winners.  The successful team will be presented with gold medals and a prize each, while the school will be presented with a crystal trophy and a vase celebrating their victory.

Mohammed Ansar, outreach officer and event organiser, said: “This is all about getting students enthused about physics and having fun. It's also a great opportunity for them to represent their school in a positive way."

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Further information: Anna Dingley, Press Officer, 0121 4158134/07769 952763, a.j.dingley@bham.ac.uk

Note to Editors:

Event takes place 16th January 2008 from 10am to 3 pm

Presentation of Prizes will commence at around 2.30pm

For further information please contact: Mohammed Ansar, Outreach Officer, on 0121 414 7693, Mobile: 0797 418 0154, email: M.Ansar@bham.ac.uk