Primary Schools Programme 2010

Pupils from over 40 schools in north Wales and Cheshire took part in the 2010 Wrexham Science Festival Schools Programme.

The event, which ran throughout National Science and Engineering Week in March, engaged pupils in science through interactive, themed activities.

These included presentations which challenged youngsters to build meteorites and paper planes – to learn about the science behind astronomy and flight – and talks on composting, chemistry, magnetism and the materials science behind sand.

Guest speakers were provided from the likes of Wrexham-based pharmaceuticals company Wockhardt UK, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s North West Trust and the British Women Pilots’ Association.

Steve Conway, organiser of the Wrexham Science Festival Primary Schools Programme 2010, said: “Aside from being of hugely important to the future development of UK industry, science is exciting, challenging and rewarding – and the primary schools programme aims to take all of this into our schools.

“The events cover a broad range of subjects – from geology and chemistry to engineering and astronomy – and they’re always hugely popular with young children,” added Steve, of Schools Science Festival.

The Institution of Civil Engineers Wales Cymru supported many of the workshops in north Wales primary schools, including one which focused on Geodesic, a type of structure used for radar domes and some planetariums - and one of the most complex structures that can be assembled by junior children.

Keith Jones, director of ICE Wales Cymru, said: “ICE Wales Cymru is pleased to be associated with the Wrexham Science Festival and the timing of these workshops during National Science and Engineering Week is a great opportunity for children to be introduced to some of the challenges faced by civil engineers, whether designing storage facilities or more complicated structures or developing highways or building bridges.

“Civil engineers are highly skilled individuals with a flair for problem solving with excellent earning potential and we would like to encourage young people to consider civil engineering as a future career path.”

If you would like any further information about any of the events that took place during the Primary Schools Programme, please contact Steve Conway at grace@csteve.fsbusiness.co.uk or on 01824 750 719