Newcastle University

Girls from schools across North Tyneside put their brains to work in an innovative project to encourage women scientists of the future.

The youngsters, aged nine to 11, from six of the borough’s primary schools attended the Women in Science Day on Tuesday, May 22, for an event in partnership with Newcastle University and the Institute of Neuroscience.  It forms part of the Institute’s Ambassadors programme, which seeks to widen young people’s interest in the sciences.

During the day they focused on exciting activities around human behaviour, the brain and some other science based topics.

Hands-on tasks and mini experiments designed for them to learn about the amazing functions of the brain ran alongside lessons in mummification (complete with interactive mummy!), a tour of the pioneering female naturalists and their discoveries, a live animals exhibit including python, bearded dragon and hedgehogs, and finally a trip to the moon and back by way of the planetarium. Activities were held in the Great North Museum and at Newcastle University.

North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, Cllr David Lilly said: “We have high aspirations for all our learners, and activities like this really support young people to aim high.

“As a council we aim to provide youngsters with every opportunity to achieve their full potential and I am thrilled that six of our schools are taking part in such a fantastic event.”

The Directors of the Institute of Neuroscience, Professor Anya Hurlbert and Professor Colin Ingram said: "We are convinced that these events leave a lasting impression on the children who participate and no doubt more girls will be thinking about studying science as a result."

More than 200 year five and six girls attended the day from Fordley, Percy Main, Stephenson Memorial, Priory, King Edward and Whitehouse primary schools.

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Coverage of the event by ITV Tyne Tees