University shows teenagers the science behind slime
Release Date 14 March 2011
Teenagers can learn all about slime with the University of Reading at an event to inspire students to a career in science, engineering and technology.
The University will also be highlighting the applications and relevance of maths to real-world problems at the third TeenTech on Friday 18 March at the Madejski Stadium.
Many of the UK's top technology companies will be at TeenTech to convince teenagers that careers in science, engineering and technology have the X Factor. The event will be hosted by BBC radio reporter Maggie Philbin, a former Tomorrow's World presenter.
A survey carried out by TeenTech showed that one day can change the outlook of 13 to 14-year-old students at a crucial time when they're beginning to think about GCSE choices:
75% were more likely to think about engineering as a career
68% were more enthusiastic about a career in science
70% completely re-appraised the value and status they attached to science and engineering.
This year, 300 teenagers from 30 Berkshire schools will try their hand at experiments, discover the science behind slime, brainstorm ideas for the 2052 Olympic Games and find out about jobs they never dreamt existed.
Dr Rachel South, Science Outreach Co-ordinator at the University, said: "The achievements of science and technology are evident all around us. Science has a huge impact on our daily life: it powers our transport, supports our economy, helps to produce our food and provides us with numerous leisure pursuits. Events such as TeenTech are a fantastic way of opening children's eyes to the excitement of science and showing them the career possibilities available."
The event is being organised by the Berkshire Education Business Partnership Organisation.
ENDS
For more information about the University of Reading's involvement, please contact Rona Cheeseman, press officer, on 0118 378 7388 or email r.cheeseman@reading.ac.uk
For details of TeenTech, please contact Amanda Richard at Berkshire Education Partnership Organisation on 01635 277 480.