Up, Up and Away: High Flying with Science

More than 300 students from schools in Northamptonshire, Worcestershire and the Midlands will learn about the fun side of science when they attend the University of Birmingham’s Science Festival on Monday 30 March.

From building remote powered vehicles using Lego to getting to grips with blood pressure monitors the 15 and 16-year-olds will visit the University's Edgbaston campus to discover more about student life and learning.  They will also attend sessions in the areas of Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Geology, Geography and Biological Sciences.

Mohammed Ansar, the University’s Outreach Officer and organiser of the event, said: ‘Raising the profile of science and the aspirations of young people to think about Higher Education is an important mission for us.  I’m sure the visit will break down barriers that some young people have when thinking about the benefits of post 16 education and especially studying science based subjects at degree level.  This is a great opportunity for young people to discover what goes on inside universities and how science subjects contribute to the economy.’

Leading biologists Dr Jeremy Pritchard and Dr Susannah Thorpe from the School of Biological Sciences will deliver the keynote lecture entitled ‘Am I An Ape?’ linking the Festival to the International Year of Darwin 2009. 

The day will start with an interactive lecture for all students delivered by Dr Ed Tarte from the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering on the topic of ‘Superconductors are Super Cool’ and will finish with a balloon release, with a prize given to the student whose balloon travels the furthest.

Ends

Notes to Editor:

Balloon release: 2.45 - 3pm Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston

Event contact: Mohammed Ansar, Outreach Officer: Tel: 0121 414 7169 / 07974180154 (on the day)

For further media information

Kate Chapple, Press Officer, University of Birmingham, tel 0121 414 2772 or 07789 921164.