the-BA : NSEW07 launch press release

Science Minister performs one of The Nation's Favourite Experiments

Embargoed until 12:00, 8 March

National Science and Engineering Week 2007 (9-18 March) is here, bringing hundreds of events across the UK and a nationwide search for “The Nation’s Favourite Experiment”. For ten days, there will be laughter, debate, and discovery galore. And this year, as well as celebrating science, the extended programme will recognise the vital contributions that engineering makes to society.

There are many challenges facing the world in the 21st century. Perhaps the most fundamental is how to protect the earth’s climate and natural environment while improving living standards and economic growth. And in the face of a global population which is rising by 10,000 every hour, there is also an increasing need for secure, sustainable supplies of food, water, shelter and medical care.

Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said: ‘National Science and Engineering Week is the UK’s biggest nationwide showcase for the exciting developments in science and engineering taking place today. Science impacts our daily lives in countless ways but is also crucial to tackling the biggest global challenges such as climate change. Science and technology have been critical in helping us to understand the problem and what we can do to tackle it.

‘I’m particularly pleased that engineering is included for the first time this year. Energy and climate change are huge issues which need skilled scientists and engineers to help tackle them. We need to enthuse the next generation to so that we have enough people with the right knowledge and skills to meet these challenges.’

Lord Browne of Madingley, President of the BA, which organises National Science and Engineering Week, is inspired by the huge global response to the efforts of people like Bob Geldof and Bono.

‘What they have done is a remarkable demonstration of the capacity of technology to bring people together, and a stunning example of the continued importance of values and aspiration. Our challenge is to provide the next layer of change – the people who can go beyond ideas and visions and make a practical difference. I believe that is what engineering is all about and why I say, “If you want to change the world – be an engineer.”’

An important part of encouraging people to study science is making teaching as engaging and enjoyable as possible and having experiments take centre stage in science lessons.

That is why, motivated by the recent explosion of user-generated videos on the internet, the BA is conducting a search to find “The Nation’s Favourite Experiment”, asking people to view short film clips and vote online for the one they love the most – be it explosions, rockets or even flash-frozen fruit.

Professor John Holman, advisor to the Government on Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics, and a long standing campaigner for the return of dramatic experiments to the everyday classroom, is delighted to back the nationwide poll, saying: ‘Experimental work can be intriguing, surprising and have a profound effect on those who take part - it’s what makes science unique among school subjects. No simulation or video, however convincing, can replace the real thing – whether it’s a class practical or a teacher demonstration. Hopefully the search for the Nation’s Favourite Experiment will highlight some of the most innovative demonstrations, and help to encourage teachers to introduce new and spectacular sessions into their classrooms. We need people who are skilled and confident in managing practical work to lead the way for others.’

‘It is just one of the many initiatives taking place during National Science and Engineering Week that we hope will demonstrate that science and engineering aren’t dull, or just something for a tiny minority of academic wizards,’ adds Lord Browne. ‘They are open to everyone, and in particular to those who want to use their lives to make a difference.’

To vote for your favourite experiment, go online now at http://www.the-ba.net/experiments, and you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win an Xbox 360. The results of “The Nation’s Favourite Experiment” will be announced at the end of National Science and Engineering Week.

For more information about National Science and Engineering Week, including free activity packs and an online programme, visit http://www.the-ba.net/nsew.

National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the BA in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The BA would like to thank the Zoological Society of London for hosting the launch of National Science and Engineering Week at ZSL London Zoo.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. People can vote for their favourite experiments as part of the search for “The Nation’s Favourite Experiment” at http://www.the-ba.net/experiments. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) has filmed popular, eye-catching experiments that you might see at school, science centres or on TV, performed by the Punk Scientists with their unique brand of comedy.

The complete list of experiments is below. They feature common favourites such as the coke-and-mentos fountain, liquid nitrogen and rockets. People can also add comments online if we have not featured their all-time favourite:

• Blow Me Down
• Can-tastic Electricity
• Chemists in the Mist
• Fizz Fight
• Fizz Fizz Bang Bang
• The Banana Hammer
• Slime Time
• It IS Rocket Science
• You’ve Got Gas

2. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

3. The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) is a registered charity that seeks to promote the vital contribution that scientists, engineers and technologists make to prosperity and quality of life. The ETB works in partnership with business and industry, Government, education and the profession to improve the perception of science, engineering and technology in the UK. The driving force behind these partnerships is the desire to ensure a supply of appropriately skilled individuals to meet the present and future SET skill needs of UK plc. For more information about the ETB please visit www.etechb.co.uk.

4. About National Science and Engineering Week:

• National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science).

• National Science and Engineering Week is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

• In 2007, the BA is working in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) to broaden the scale and scope of the programme and to celebrate the vital contribution that engineering makes to society.

• Energy and climate change will again be a key focus during the week in 2007, building on the success of the Click for the Climate campaign during last year’s National Science Week.

• During the week, events are organised throughout the UK by a large and varied range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, industry and museums. Venues range from shopping centres to pubs and churches.

• National Science and Engineering Week is aimed at everyone from children and adults to decision-makers and investors and is intended to:

o engage and inspire people of all ages with science and technology and their implications,
o promote discussion and understanding of what science, engineering and technology can and cannot achieve,
o promote knowledge of the scientific method, i.e. how scientists go about their work and reach their conclusions,
o promote science, engineering and technology studies beyond the age of 16, and science, engineering and technology as career options.

• An essential feature of National Science and Engineering Week is the way it takes science to the public rather than waiting for the public to find science. The week has drawn many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences.

• 2006 Vital Statistics:

o over 2,000 events; from hands-on activities to discussions, tours and online activities
o over 660,000 participants at events
o high level of public awareness

• A searchable database of events during National Science and Engineering Week is available at www.the-ba.net/nsewprogramme.

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