Making science too cool to be kept just for school

20 February 2006

Anyone who thinks science is boring can think again next month when NEWI (North East Wales Institute of Higher Education) opens its doors to thousands of intrigued people just dying to find out how science impacts on their lives. NEWI is hosting a week long programme featuring a whole range of events with something for everyone.

Wrexham Science and Technology Week @ NEWI which is being held from Monday 20th March through to Saturday 25th March embraces a whole range of science and technology related topics from the bizarre and wonderful to the in-depth exploration of some of the key inventions and fascinations of planet earth.

The week starts off with a bang with ‘Energy: Snap, Crackle, Bang’ an explosive demonstration of energy and its uses. Also on the Monday is ‘The Science of Alcohol’, an investigation on how alcohol is made featuring a demonstration of how vodka can be made from milk; and a talk about everyone’s favourite bugbear Streetlights. Tuesday sees an examination into innovations that have influenced sound and our quality of life as well as the popular ‘Fenn’s and Whixhall Mosses’ slideshow. Car lovers will also be interested in ‘Hybrids to Hydrogen: the cars of the future’, especially if they’re after tips on reducing their trips to the fuelling station.

Mid-week offers an opportunity to join NEWI’s in-house sound engineers for a demonstration of tips and techniques that will solve the commonly experienced problems with live sound and on Thursday this topic is extended with a family show aimed at exploring the science of sound and how modern music is created. Also on Thursday there is a chance to re-visit Bonfire Night with a practical presentation on fireworks.

There is an illustrated talk on the ‘Life and Work of Michael Faraday’ and a lecture on ‘Egypt’s female king’ on the Friday which will cover the story of how the female Hatshepsut became the unconventional ruler of Egypt. Saturday is a day for all the family with the popular and highly acclaimed Scientriffic event celebrating the fun and excitement of science with over 50 interactive exhibits.

For more details on any of these events log on to www.newi.ac.uk. The lectures throughout the week are free, but people are asked to reserve their place by calling 01978 293439/3597 or e-mail eventsteam@newi.ac.uk. Advance admission prices for Scientriffic are Adults £4, Children £2, family tickets £10 and tickets are available by calling the same numbers or from The Tourist Information Centre , Lambpit Street, Wrexham or telephone 01978 292015.