Lorry lab revs up to get pupils interested in science

Published on Thursday 4 February 2010 08:39

A "LAB in a Lorry" designed to inspire a future generation of scientists is to visit schools in the Capital

The mobile laboratory, a regular feature at the Edinburgh International Science Festival, was designed to shake off the image that physics is stuffy by getting pupils involved in experiments.

Consisting of three 44ft-long lorries, it is due to visit Liberton High, Currie Community High and Forrester High schools this week. Volunteers will help the pupils explore science through various hands-on experiments, such as using sound to bend glass, and using water to extract oil from rocks.

Lab in a Lorry in Scotland is a partnership between the Institute of Physics, The Oil & Gas Academy (OPITO), the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Scottish Government.

Education leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren said: "This is a great opportunity for pupils to see scientists at work, as well as to experience what a career in the sciences would be like."

Institute of Physics spokesman James Bamford said: "Lab in a Lorry is a fantastic experience for young people. It generates excitement and curiosity in science by letting them explore experimental science for themselves with the help of expert mentors."