Earth moves for school's science pupils

Published on Thursday 2 April 2009 09:52

SCHOOL pupils in Edinburgh will be able to measure the power of earthquakes from their classrooms as part of a new science project.

The School Seismology Project, which is being run by the British Geological Survey (BGS), will see a seismometer being donated to 46 schools across Scotland.

Dr Brian Baptie, seismology team leader at the BGS, said: "This is a great instrument for kids. It is easy to set up and use, so schoolchildren can make their own recordings of earthquakes from places like China and Tonga on the other side of the world."

The school seismometers have been specifically designed so that all working parts are visible and easily explained to students.

Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Schools and Skills, said: "The Scottish Government has placed science at the heart of the Curriculum for Excellence and we are encouraging pupils to consider the varied and exciting career opportunities science offers.

"I welcome the British Geological Survey initiative, which can only help to fuel young people's interest in this key subject."