Abertay to host Scotland's first Big Bang Science Fair

�

Hundreds of eager young mechanics, engineers and scientists are to compete in Scotland�s first Big Bang science fair at the University of Abertay Dundee.

Around 240 entrants from 30 different schools across Scotland will compete on 7 June 2010, showcasing their inventions � all based on their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies. STEM subjects have been highlighted as crucial to the nation�s future economic growth, and are a core part of the teaching at Abertay.

The one-day fair will see the school students display their work to an expert panel, and vying for a range of prestigious awards including nomination to the national event the following year and three new prizes sponsored by the Scottish Government.

The national contest is open to pupils aged 11 to 19, with each project taking up to 80 hours to complete. Although registration has officially closed, organisers will consider any last-minute entries.

The event will also be open to visiting schools and other interested parties. A host of exciting workshops and shows will also be on offer at Abertay University to illustrate the fun, excitement and relevance of science.

Joining the diverse judging panel on the day will be former BBC presenter Heather �the Weather� Reid and Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland.

Professor Glover commented, �The Big Bang Scotland promises to be a great day for young people wanting to explore science. It will also celebrate the achievements of our best young scientists, who will then represent Scotland at the UK event next year. Dundee�s reputation as a city of science and discovery makes it a fitting place to host the first ever Big Bang Scotland event.�

The Big Bang Scotland is one of 12 Big Bang Fairs taking place across the UK and will mark the first time that these celebrations have travelled north of the border.� Judging will culminate with an awards ceremony with prizes ranging from �25 to �200. A selection of winners will also be invited to present their projects in the National Science and Engineering Competition at the UK-wide Big Bang 2011 in London next year.

The Big Bang Scotland is being organised by TechFest-SetPoint and funded by the Scottish Government, British Science Association, Young Engineers and The Big Bang Education Limited.

TechFest-SetPoint is an educational charity which promotes interest in STEM subjects to young people in the hope of inspiring them to become the scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and skilled employees of the future.

Jennifer Young, its STEM Co-ordinator, commented, �The event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and highlight the talent, ingenuity and enthusiasm bubbling away in Scotland�s schools. It�s also a chance to congratulate those who have successfully completed exciting and innovative projects based around the themes of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

�To soften the competitive edge, a range of exciting activities are also being put together to inspire and entertain pupils and teachers and hopefully spark new ideas to take back to the classroom.�

The Big Bang Scotland event incorporates the CREST Awards and Young Engineer for Britain regional competitions.