Pupils from Wirral schools visited the Discovery CLC on 3^rd March for a 'Why Science' conference style day of activities.

The day began with registration and a connect activity where pupils looked at "What is a Scientist?" This was followed by a "Meet the Scientist" activity where students interviewed a wide range of scientists to collect information on science careers.  The scientists were drawn from local universities and employers and also included several Aimhigher Associates who talked about their undergraduate studies.

Pupils also took part in four 30 minute workshops throughout the day that included practical work and active participation by the students. Sessions included:

A Rough Guide to Engineering

What is Engineering? Where can you find it? Take an active part in a journey to find out what engineers do with David Price from Science Made Simple.

Climate Change? Build Your own Maglev Train!

Dr Lynn Moran, Karl Gale, Siobhan Zaranko, Brian Henry, Philippa Spencer, Robert Pomohaci from the Department of Physics, University of Liverpool.

Welcome to nanoworld

A brief tour of nanoworld including a study of the fullerene molecule C60. Dr Shane Lo Fan Hin, Dr Joanne Ledger from The University of Liverpool.

Big Rivers and Sandy Bottoms: Ocean Science in Liverpool Bay

Dr Claire Mahaffey, Dr Matthew Palmer, Dr Jenny Brown, Miss Charlotte Williams, Mr Kristopher Gibbon-Walsh from Earth and Ocean Science, University of Liverpool.

Over lunch the scientists were also available for further discussions about careers and qualifications, and a selection of career video diaries were shown.

The plenary session at the end of the day saw pupils complete research posters with scientists helping each team to come up with their 6 wows! Students then took all of their posters, research notes, leaflets and other materials collected back to school for follow-up work.