'Lab in a Lorry' visits Dublin City University
- 31 January 2006

Lab in a Lorry, a mobile science lab for young people, will visit Dublin City University campus from 31 January – 3 February to connect young people in the region to science. Designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, Lab in a Lorry offers 11-14 year olds the opportunity to explore science through specially created interactive experiments.

The Lab in a Lorry programme consists of three 44ft lorries that have been visiting schools, youth organisations, major events, and communities free-of-charge across the UK and Ireland from early 2005.

Each lorry is fitted with three distinct lab areas where groups of up to six young people can take part in each of the fun and informative experiments. The programme is delivered by volunteers – all practicing scientists and engineers – and at least one volunteer mentor to every six students. Everyone gets to try their hand at experimental science and think about the surprises and questions that arise. DCU students and staff have volunteered their time and resources to this wonderful programme.

A partnership between the Institute of Physics and the Schlumberger Foundation, Lab in a Lorry aims to encourage positive attitudes towards science and to make science and engineering more attractive to 11-14 year olds.

Coordinator, Eilish Mcloughlin, School of Physical Science, DCU, said: "DCU Faculty of Science and Health is delighted to host the Institute of Physics “Lab in a Lorry’ where secondary school students can gain hands on experience of solving real world problems such as detecting and extracting oil from the ocean floor. The mobile laboratory is staffed this week by physics undergraduate and postgraduate student volunteers . This initiative is part of a coordinated effort by the Institute of Physics to demonstrate the relevance of physics in a fun and engaging way to 11-14 year olds, a key target age group."

Institute of Physics spokesperson John Brindley 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.”

ENDS