Pigeon post, hieroglyphics and Morse code are just some of the more unusual methods of communication that Welsh schoolchildren will be trying out next week during National Science and Engineering Week.
Communication is the theme for the week – a UK wide event that aims to inspire and engage people from all walks of life directly with science and engineering.
Some of the more unusual experiments include Dolau Primary School in Llanharan, Pontyclun, where children will use pigeon post to communicate with neighbouring Brynna Primary School, while a class at Ysgol Penmaes, Brecon, will see how far they can communicate around the school using plastic cups and strings as phones.
Pupils from Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, will be checking out how monkeys communicate during a visit to Monkey Forest at Trenthan Gardens at Stoke-on –Trent.
Ysgol Bryn Deva in Connah’s Quay will be investigating a number of communication methods including the use of Morse code and sign language.
The Egypt Centre at Swansea University is holding hands-on workshops to illustrate communication in ancient Egypt and children can try their hand at writing hieroglyphics.
The Bionic Ear Show that reveals how the ear works and how new technologies and medical treatments are being developed for deafness takes place at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.
The Welsh Assembly Government has provided small grants of up to £400 to support schools and organisations undertaking activities during National Science and Engineering Week (11-20 March). The grants, administered by the Welsh regional branch of the British Science Association, have been awarded to forty projects around Wales.
Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said she was delighted at the range of innovative projects that schools have planned.
“Schools and organisations have come up with some very inventive activities that bring the world of science alive and will, I am, sure enthuse and captivate the interest of school pupils and students.
“National Science and Engineering Week provides a great opportunity to promote all aspects of science to people of all ages and I’m pleased that many of these activities also involve local communities, friends and families.”
