The forthcoming BA Festival of Science includes an exciting programme of events for students, writes Dick Ahlstrom
The science behind kissing, how to make and launch a rocket, the formula for making a gene and how science is used to bust crime, are just a few of the intriguing topics included in the young people's programme for the British Association's annual Festival of Science. The Festival takes place at Trinity College Dublin from September 3rd to 10th.
The festival arrives in Dublin for the first time since 1957 and with it comes a near travelling circus of science. It traditionally offers two main streams, one for adults and the scientific community and a second youth programme. This in turn splits into parallel programmes, one for pupils from 8 to 12-years-old and a second for students aged 12 to 19.
The Festival typically attracts thousands of students with an exciting programme of talks, workshops, labs and lively presentations. This year is no exception and schools should make plans to book early if they want their students to attend as the most popular events will sell out quickly.
The 8 to 12-year-old programme includes the Forensic Show, a look at how science is used at a crime scene to collect evidence. Bacteria, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a workshop on how some bacteria are our friends while others are decidedly bad.
There are talks on exploration of the seas, a Mini Beast Hunt, the Kaleidoscope workshop, which explores the science behind light and colour and of course there is a chemistry magic show.
The 12 to 19-year-old programme offers a rocket workshop, a session on how Hollywood portrays science and scientists and Sun, Moon and Meteorites, a look at our cosmic origins.
Biobubble is a workshop that brings the students inside a cell where they can watch how cells work. The BA describes it as a tale of "young love, kissing and invading viruses". There is a session on molecular life that explains DNA, RNA and allows students to build a gene, and also Lab in a Lorry which offers science experiments you won't see in the school. One involves shattering glass using sound alone.
This is just a sample of what is of offer for young people during the festival. The BA took part in last January's Esat BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition where they polled several hundred young people, asking them what scientific subjects they would like to see at the festival in September.
The survey showed that health issues took priority over subjects such as climate change and in response the BA has scheduled a special BAckchat workshop focusing on health. There will be other BAckchat sessions where young people are able to share their views with some of the UK and Ireland's leading scientists and engineers.
"If we are to engage and inspire young people with science, it is important that we listen to their hopes and concerns," argues Sir Roland Jackson, chief executive of the BA. "If we are to avoid disillusionment with science and scientists and a sense that scientific progress is out of their control, it is imperative that scientists listen and take on board their concerns."
Full information about the Festival youth programme, the wider programme, booking and charges is available at the festival web site, www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience
The European Commission has launched a new European gateway for science education. www.Xplora.org provides resources for primary and secondary education and is aimed at teachers, pupils, scientists, communications specialists and others involved in science education.