Year 7 - Lab in a Lorry! July 2007

Lab in a Lorry, a mobile science lab for young people, visited Rossendale on Wed 18th July to try and connect young people in the region to science. Local school groups took part in organised visits to the Lab which was based at Fearns and shared with BRGS.

Designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, Lab in a Lorry offers 11-14 year olds the opportunity to explore science through specially created interactive experiments.

The Lab in a Lorry programme consists of three 44ft lorries that have been visiting schools, youth organisations, major events, and communities free-of-charge across the UK and Ireland from early 2005.

www.labinalorry.org.uk

Each lorry is fitted with three distinct lab areas where groups of up to six young people can take part in each of the fun and informative experiments. The programme is delivered by volunteers – all practicing scientists and engineers – and with at least one volunteer mentor to every six students, everyone gets to try their hand at experimental science and think about the surprises and questions that arise.

A partnership between the Institute of Physics and the Schlumberger Foundation, Lab in a Lorry aims to encourage positive attitudes towards science and to make science and engineering more attractive to 11-14 year olds.

Institute of Physics spokesperson Ian Cuthbert said:

“Lab in a Lorry is a fantastic experience for young people. It generates excitement and curiosity in science by letting them explore experimental science for themselves with the help of expert mentors.”

Schlumberger Foundation spokesperson Johana Dunlop said:

“Lab in a Lorry offers young people a captivating experience. It brings science to life through experiments that demonstrate the rules governing everyday events. We hope Lab in a Lorry will help to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Schools, youth organisations and communities can invite Lab in a Lorry to visit them through the website www.labinalorry.org.uk which also contains information on how to become a volunteer.

Photos of Year 7 pupils from BRGS visiting Lab in a Lorry:

Year 7 - Lab in a Lorry