Science mysteries revlealed to budding professors

Pupils from Nottingham's primary schools will explore the mysteries of science next week at The University of Nottingham's School Science Fair. Researchers will reveal some of the secrets of their field to 200 primary school children as they freeze flowers with liquid nitrogen, make their own "plastic" bubbles, and explore the facilities and equipment that scientists use to carry out their research. Children from primary schools across the city will visit the labs and lecture theatres of the University, speaking to experts in chemistry, physics and computer science. Activities will include gold plating copper coins, making slime to learn about polymers and making rainbows using CDs to explore the properties of light. The three-day science fair, taking place from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April, is held in conjunction with National Science and Engineering Week. "The science fair is always one of our most popular events. The children really relish the chance to get involved in the experiments while the researchers are reminded why they got into science in the first place — for the sheer wonder of it," Dr Sam Tang, Public Awareness Scientist based in the University's School of Chemistry, said.