16th November 2009

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Caolan Maxwell-Kelly, Holy Rosary PS and Georgia Baker, Wheatfield PS, who took part in the Step-Up 'Chemistry in Your Kitchen' lecture

Over 1,000 primary school pupils got to grips with science this week through a University of Ulster programme aimed at bringing the subject to life.

Engaging Young Minds is an innovative programme of interactive lessons, games, competitions and experiments offered under the University’s acclaimed Step Up initiative.

Pupils in Belfast and Derry took part in the first event of the series entitled Chemistry in Your Kitchen during which they discovered how everyday ingredients can be used to create explosions and light displays.

Over forty schools will take part in the new Step-Up initiative over the coming year which will see Ulster lecturers going back into the classroom to help get children excited about science and dispel the myth that science subjects are difficult and boring. 

Dr Damian O’Kane, Director of the Step-Up programme, said: “Engaging Young Minds has been specifically devised to encourage younger pupils to consider studying STEM subjects throughout their school career and subsequently at university level. The future economic prosperity of Northern Ireland is dependant on a regular supply of STEM subject graduates and this programme aims to help address this need.”

Step-Up aims to provide opportunities for talented young people who would not have traditionally considered studying at higher education institutions. The programme has been operating successfully for ten years and works in partnership with schools, government agencies, hospitals and local industry.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk