MORE than 1,100 children from seventeen schools across the region received an explosive science lesson at Rednock’s New Year’s Science Conference

Rednock School in Dursley organised and hosted the conference, which included exciting demonstrations by Tim Harrison, of Bristol University's Chemlabs outreach project.

Introducing his first experiment by telling the first three rows to put their fingers in their ears, Mr Harrison presented a series of exciting demonstrations revealing the physical and chemical properties of the gases that make up our atmosphere.

The conference is modelled on the Royal Society’s Christmas Lectures, where scientists give an annual talk to a general audience including children for nearly 200 years.

Mr Harrison taught the children about the various gases of our atmosphere with captivating visuals like lighting helium on fire and strolling through the audience of children with a container of liquid nitrogen.

It is now an established annual event at the science specialist school, having grown steadily since its inception in 2013.

Organiser Ben Hall, a teacher at Rednock said: “It’s absolutely critical that we raise the profile of science and encourage children to think about its role in their future lives, particularly for those about to undergo the transition to secondary school.

“Recent research by the UK Skills Sector, a Government licensed think tank, predicts that by 2017, 60 per cent of new jobs will be in science or related industries. In our local area this percentage is likely to be substantially higher.

“We offer several Science qualifications at Rednock; in my view anyone with the opportunity to take three science GCSEs or at least one science A-level should jump at the chance, local and national companies are recruiting Scientists, Engineers and Technicians into careers that are both intellectually and financially rewarding.

He continued: “But it's not just about employability. Science is academically challenging; you have to think, it's constantly changing and it's practical.

“I have no doubt that for some of these children, engaging them now will change their view of science, their study options, their career choices and ultimately the society they live in.”

Rednock would like to thank Bristol University, the Royal Society for Chemistry and Renishaw for their continuing support, making events such as this one possible.

The presentations took place on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13.