WIREDGOV

A mobile physics lab for young people, run by the Institute of Physics and sponsored by STFC, has begun a second tour of North West England. The opening day of the tour, at Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College in Blackburn, was visited by local MP Jack Straw.

The 'Lab in a Lorry (link opens in a new window)' is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, offering 11-14 year olds the opportunity to explore science through specially created interactive experiments.

By the close of this second STFC-supported tour, Lab in a Lorry will have reached 10,000 students across the region, from the south of Cheshire to the north of Cumbria, all of whom will be introduced to key concepts in physics.

The experiments on board the lorry involve using the properties of light to diagnose sick patients, using sound waves to smash wine glasses, and scattering light to understand why the sky is blue and help identify the real colour of the Sun. The key concepts behind the experiments are illustrated with examples from everyday life and cutting-edge research.

STFC's project manager Tony Buckley said:

"STFC-supported research in particle physics and astronomy, and the 'big science' facilities we support such as ISIS, CERN and Diamond, play a big part in attracting young people towards science. The visit of 'Lab in a Lorry' to schools across North West England will help teachers to inspire pupils to become the scientists and engineers the country needs for the future."