Website guide to low-cost practicals

For young scientists yet to embark on their research careers, and even adults overcome with fear at the mention of experiment, a website created by two Dublin students is at hand.

The "Science Thrills without the Bills" page will guide either age group through 15 experiments in physics, chemistry and biology, using items and ingredients readily available at home or easily acquired at little cost.

"The most expensive item was a £1.54 bottle of iodine bought in my local chemist shop," said Denise Tynan (16), who with Sarah Deeny (16) created the website, which is the feature of their entry to the Young Scientist & Technology exhibition.

They decided to devise "practicals for nine-year-olds" after being shocked at the absence of a science curriculum for primary schools.

Within a week of the page being in place, they are heartened by the reaction, notably by primary teachers; so much so, they intend to broaden the range of experiments.

The use of a celery stick and food dye shows how capillary action occurs, for example, while grapefruits and oranges can be used to display kinetic energy, according to the transition year students at Loreto College, St Stephen's Green. Their site can be accessed at http://www.geocities.com/ enchantedForest/Tower/9770.

The exhibition was commended yesterday by the British physicist, Dr John Lewis of the Institute of Physics.

He paid tribute to the level of participation it achieved and the degree of imagination applied by those who staged it. He hoped the European Physical Society would promote similar events in other countries.

"This [exhibition] is giving a lead throughout Europe," he added.

The winners of yesterday's Irish Times/Esat Young Scientist Simplex Crossword Competition were: Lisa Sheeran, Tullamore College, Co Offaly; Jim Crosbie, St Peter's College, Wexford, and Lorna Duffy, Hartstown Community School, Co Dublin. The winners receive a £15 gift voucher for Golden Discs.