Science is not just for scientists – National Science Week celebrations

14 March 2016

‌Aberystwyth University will welcome more than 1700 pupils from 32 schools in Ceredigion, Powys and Gwynedd to enjoy hands-on science exhibitions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week - 15th, 16th & 17th March.

The three day science fair is part of the annual British Science Week which this year extends from the 11th to the 20th of March.

Organised by the University’s Centre for Widening Participation, Equality and Social Inclusion (CWPESI), it takes place in the Sports Cage on the Penglais campus.

The theme this year is simply ‘Science is not just for Scientists’ and, as well as the school groups, the exhibition is open to the public for an evening session between 4.00 and 6.00pm on Wednesday 16th.

“The Science Fair is about showing the relevance of the excellent scientific work that is being done at Aberystwyth University and the surrounding area”, said Debra Croft, Manager of the University’s Centre for Widening Participation, Equality and Social Inclusion. “Its purpose is to widen the knowledge of science among school children, inspire them and show them how important it is in all our lives.”

Those attending have the opportunity to take part in a wealth of demonstrations and activities, hands-on encounters with rock-pool creatures, see inside a giant bubble, bash some bugs, identify parasites and insects, see a river in action, meet robots, see 3D Mars images, have your picture taken as a scientist, win prizes from a quiz and a host of other exciting student led stands.

Debra added: “We could not do this without the enthusiasm, professionalism and knowledge of the Institutes and Departments – both staff and students. The transferrable skills learnt and deployed by our students, with this demanding audience of young people, are breath-taking and innovative.

“I want to extend sincere thanks to the 150+ staff and students who will take part from Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Sports and Exercise Science, Psychology, Geography and Earth Sciences, and Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, who give up their time and energy to make this a success, as well as support staff from the University’s Estates department and its Sports Centre. Also there will be Ceredigion County Council, the RSPB, Ecodyfi biosphere and COBWEB, and The Royal Society of Chemistry.”

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