Press Releases

Local schoolchildren experiment with careers in science – University of Reading

Release Date : 09 October 2009

Nearly 200 pupils from Prospect School in Reading enjoyed a fascinating day finding out about the vital role science plays in our everyday lives.

Organised by the University of Reading's Widening Participation Office the year 9 pupils took part in several fun hands-on science activities, including testing psychology perception theories and solving murder mysteries using forensic chemistry.

The children also had a go at making their own electronic reaction time testers, designing lego robots, and building and testing their own earthquake-proof structures. The day ended with pupils testing Darwin's Survival of the Fittest theory and answering quiz questions on evolution.

"The day was a massive success," said Dr Rachel South from the University of Reading's Widening Participation Office. "It highlighted some of the career options available to those who decide to study science, jobs which really have a positive impact in today's society. Hopefully the event inspired some of the pupils to go and study science in further and higher education."

For more information about the University of Reading's Widening Participation Office, please contact Dr Rachel South, tel. 0118 378 6127 or email r.south@reading.ac.uk

Ends

For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel. 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk

Notes for Editors:

The University of Reading's WPO works throughout the year to increase participation in higher education by under-represented groups. From September through to July the University provides outreach and promote higher education both locally and nationally in a variety of ways, including conferences, practical activities, taster days and in-school support.