Budding scientists take over Riverside for Great Science Share

Date published: 28 June 2019

Number One Riverside was taken over by budding scientists as pupils across the borough came together for the national Great Science Share for Schools.

There was an electric atmosphere as 13 schools, including 3 secondary schools, came to Number One Riverside to show off their scientific investigations on electricity, forces, chemical reactions, meteors and many more.

Pupils from Lowerplace, All Saints C of E, Meanwood, St Joseph’s RC, St Mary’s CE, St Andrew’s, St John’s CE, Broadfield, Moorhouse, Crossgates primary schools as well as Falinge Park High, Kingsway Park High and The Derby High schools all came together to demonstrate their scientific knowledge on a wide variety of experiments.

Amongst the many investigations pupils from Crossgates Primary were measuring UV protection, Kingsway Park High School were investigating if you can launch a rocket using effervescent tablets and St Joseph’s RC looked into why certain foods rot quicker than others.

The event was organised by Chris Lowe, assistant headteacher at Lowerplace Primary School and Rebecca Unwin, science teacher at Falinge Park High School. Chris said: “It has been a fantastic day with a really enthusiastic atmosphere. It is really exciting to showcase the best of science where Dippy will soon be sat proudly. The young people who have come here today have displayed such astounding scientific knowledge. I am always impressed with the passion and enthusiasm for science from our young people.”

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are really passionate about getting young people into science and events like these are a fantastic way to harness and develop enthusiasm. With Dippy the dinosaur coming to Rochdale next year there are so many opportunities for our young people to get involved in science right here in Rochdale.”

This event was part of a national campaign aimed at inspiring young people in to science and engineering, with over 61,000 children taking part across the UK.