Pupils from Cowdenbeath Primary School reach for the stars with Generation Science

Fife (31 March 2010) - Pupils from Primary 6 at Cowdenbeath Primary School reached for the stars and took a tour of the night sky, the planets and the galaxies when the Generation Science tour landed in their school.

Inside the inflatable planetarium, or Starlab, pupils saw the wonder of the stars and planets exactly as they appear in the real night sky. The Generation Science space cadets also introduced the pupils to the challenges of living in outer space through exploring the extremes of temperature, pressure and gravity.

Simon Gage, director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, said: “In 2009, Generation Science visited more than 600 schools and 65,000 pupils throughout Scotland. The programme of events is a vitally important way of helping children, parents and teachers grasp and get excited by the true magic and meaning of science. We give schoolchildren the tools and confidence to make informed lifestyle choices about health, food and work, and teach them how to use our planet’s resources sustainably. The programme is incredibly varied and exciting, so we really hope that pupils will be inspired to become more involved in science both now and in the future.”

Mrs. Quinn, headteacher of Cowdenbeath Primary School, said: “We are delighted to have Generation Science tour our school. The ‘Starlab and Spaceshow’ is an excellent way of engaging children and making science fun and enjoyable.  It also reinforces science concepts and introduces the children to new ones using a hands-on practical approach, which the school can then follow up with general discussion.”

"I would also like to thank ExxonMobil Chemical at the Fife Ethylene Plant for their ongoing support to Cowdenbeath Primary School via their Link Schools Programme. Funds from this programme have allowed us over many years to offer a variety of fun and informative science events, such as this, at the school.”

Starlab and Spaceshow is just one of 17 amazing shows and workshops provided by Generation Science, that are designed to make science fun, exciting and easy to understand and to help teachers cover the school science curriculum. The Generation Science tour reaches over 65,000 primary school children and over 600 schools, from Stranraer to Shetland, over the course of the year. It is the largest school science touring programme in the UK and has activities for all ages, from infant classes right up to upper primary.

For more information on Generation Science Touring Scotland 2010 visit www.generationscience.co.uk or contact Charlotte Kissack, Press & Media, on 07834 871707.