Getting Involved In Science

With today’s news constantly mentioning a lack of science graduates it is more important than ever to get children involved in science.

The Launch Pad at the Science Museum aims exactly to do that. On entering the area you are immediately faced by an incredible array of colours, machines and the clamour of school groups enjoying themselves.

With a huge range of exhibits all the main areas of science are covered for KS3 level, for example the Sound Dishes which show how sound waves can be sent and received over long distances and Slow Bubbles where one can learn about the viscosity of different liquids.

Looking around I felt the easiest and most interesting method of delivering scientific concepts to children was by the pure interactivity provided. By allowing the children to personally experiment with the activities it gives them more insight into the experiment and encourages them to ask the helper more detailed questions. If you thought the learning stops on leaving the museum, you would be wrong- a Teacher’s guide is supplied to each school group so that the activities can be related to further class work.

From this visit it is clear to see, ‘interactivity’ is of vital importance in encouraging children to get involved in science and can awaken an interest that cannot be obtained by words alone.

Submitted by Nicola Garland

Wellcome Wing

The Wellcome Wing is an extension to the Science Museum in London, which aims to show visitors the latest developments in science and technology. The wing, which opened in 2000, consists of five floors, each with a different theme.

The basement contains the Launch Pad- a popular hands-on gallery, aimed at younger visitors to show that science can be fun. The Launch Pad contains interesting science experiments such as making bubbles, building bridges and creating electricity.

On the ground floor is an exhibit called ‘Antenna’, which shows the latest science news and research. In addition to a news ticker screen, there is research about lie detection and a method of capturing carbon dioxide to reduce the effects of global warming. Another thing I liked was a screen showing various figures such as how long oil reserves will last and how many seconds until the end of the world!

The first floor is called ‘Who am I?’ and contains both interactive games and displays about aspects such as biometrics and emotions, for example. The layout on this floor is good in that you could play the games first and then look at the exhibits for further details.

The second floor, Digitopolis, did have displays of new technology but, unfortunately, is currently closed for redevelopment.

The third floor is called ‘In Future’ and has interactive games about controversial issues. Visitors play a game related to a topic such as weather control or renewable energy and, after playing the game, players are asked to vote for or against the issue concerned. This style of exhibit is interesting as it makes people think about issues which may affect them in the future.

submitted by Mark Jenkins