ROCKET SCIENTISTS - AGED 13

YOUNGSTERS at a Liverpool school are about to launch their own space mission.  As part of National Science Week, the 13 year olds from St Julie’s High School will be setting off their home made rockets into space.  They have been challenged to design, build and fly their very own rockets, and will be blasting off on Monday 12 March.  The event will be the launch pad for a week of weird and wonderful events at the school aimed at making science more exciting for kids.

Head teacher of St Julie’s High, Sister Ann Marie Gammack said:- “It’s really important to encourage young pupils to take an interest in science at an early age.  The week will make the subject exciting and fun, revealing to kids the mysteries and wonders of the scientific world. Hopefully we can inspire the next generation of doctors, engineers and inventors”.

The packed week of events at the school also includes a visit from natural world education company ‘Zoolab’, giving kids the chance to cuddle the animals and learn about adaptation.  Liverpool University lecturer, Sian Owen, will show pupils how ‘cool’ science can be by harnessing the power of liquid Nitrogen to make a real cloud in the classroom!  And the team at the Jaguar plant in Halewood will give kids an insight into the technology which makes their sleek cars purr.  The week will be rounded-off with a special competition when the pupils will go head-to-head with their teachers for the title of ‘Super-Scientist!’

Liverpool City Council’s executive member for children’s services, Councillor Paul Clein said:- “I would encourage all schools in Liverpool to participate in Science Week – it’s an invaluable opportunity for children to put what they have learned in class into practice.  I am hoping this week will encourage more pupils to take up science subjects in their career choices. This is a field which can lead to outstanding discoveries and change people’s lives.”

Young scientists are the key to the UK's future

MORE than 100 scientists will attend a reception to be held by the Prime Minister Tony Blair in recognition of the vital contribution that young scientists, engineers and researchers make to the UK's economic prosperity and quality of life.  The event, which is part of National Science and Engineering Week, celebrates scientists who inspire other young people to become the scientists of tomorrow and those who have made breakthroughs in medicine, transport and new technology which have transformed our lives.

Many of those attending the reception are Science and Engineering Ambassadors who provide enormously valuable support to teachers and pupils across the UK, bringing in to the classroom real-life examples of exciting work in science, technology, engineering and maths. The £6.7 million programme funded by DTI aims to have 18,000 Ambassadors across the country by March next year.

The Prime Minister said:- "Science is vitally important to the future of Britain. We have to be a magnet for scientific endeavour, attracting the best people and turning scientific knowledge into commercial enterprise.  We need our young people today to embrace science and to realise that a career in science is an exciting prospect. These scientists provide the advice and practical examples to truly inspire."

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said:- "UK scientists have transformed our world. Science is not just vital for surviving in the world economy; it is the key to winning in the world economy and in the fight against climate change.  These scientists are our future. They should be celebrated for the amazing contribution they make. They are inspirational role models who help raise young people's aspirations, encouraging them to pursue careers in science."

Professor Lord Robert Winston, who is attending the reception, said:- "Science should be seen as a key part of the culture of our society and it is crucial that we inspire young people to understand science and use it with wisdom."

National Science and Engineering Week 2007 runs from 9 March 2007 to 18 March 2007, bringing hundreds of events across the UK and a nationwide search for 'The Nation's Favourite Experiment'.