University opens its doors to show off wonders of science

York University staged its annual Science Trail when 245 school pupils aged from 14 to 16 took part in sessions to learn more about the subject.

Teenagers from 13 schools as far afield as Hull, Sheffield, Bradford and Matlock worked alongside academics and current students across the university’s science departments. Activities included an outdoor session on climate and weather, working with archaeological animal bones and creating a chemical “clock” that changes colour on cue.

York University’s widening participation officer Michelle Hughes said: “We wanted to show young people how exciting and fun science can be and how it affects us every day of our lives. The Science Trail gives teenagers a real taste of what it’s like to study science at a top university, providing a chance to take part in lab sessions, lectures, seminars, demonstrations and debates.”

The event involved staff and students from 14 university departments and centres, the Hull York Medical School and the York Neuroimaging Centre. For the first time some events took place on the university’s new £750m campus expansion at Heslington East.

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