‘Raining diamonds and acid showers’ feature in a series of events being delivered by the team from Life Science Centre, in primary schools across the West End of the city.
Around 3,000 children in nine primary schools will take part in the funded events over the next five days (9 July to 15 July) exploring the science of weather on Earth and in space.
The sessions mark a decade long partnership between Life and West End Schools Trust (WEST), which serves communities in some of the most deprived areas in the country.
Over the past 10 years, Life has delivered a wide range of hands-on activities to the WEST schools and provided funded visits to the science centre, ensuring children from all backgrounds can discover science and the career opportunities that come with it.
The roadshow includes a chance to explore how telescopes can be used to detect and study weather across the solar system. Pupils will be set a challenge to design and build structures that can withstand extreme planetary weather including acid rain (on Venus), raining diamonds (Saturn and Uranus) and high winds (Neptune).
“For 10 years, Life has partnered with the West End Schools Trust to bring hands-on science to thousands of pupils across Newcastle’s West End.
“These activities help to build confidence, raise aspirations and make science more relevant and accessible to children who may have never considered science as a future career option.”
WEST was established a decade ago with a core principle for the schools to learn from each other and work together with key partners to improve the opportunities available to the 3,000 students they collectively cater for.
The partnership with Life was an early initiative.
“We cherish the longstanding relationship we have with Life Science Centre. Our trusted partnership enables us to build enthusiasm for science amongst our pupils and showcase opportunities for STEM careers.
“Over the last 10 years, our children have enjoyed a range of activities and opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work together.”
The sessions were funded by Explore Your Universe Valuing Inclusion, a national STEM project run by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), funded by the Science Technology Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Life is celebrating 25 years! We’ve been reminiscing about some of our favourite memories since we opened and would love to hear yours!
