WIREDGOV

A team of scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) yesterday visited a local school as part of a continued commitment to education outreach.
 

The team, mainly based at the Portsdown West site, near Fareham, visited Titchfield Primary School in Titchfield with eight prepared scientific workshops. The pupils, who range in age from four to eleven, learned all day about the science behind the work that Dstl undertakes. There were practical activities and science based demonstrations, including the science of colours, science for soldiers and camouflage, where some children were able to try on a real soldier’s uniform.
 

The practical activities taught the children about physics, by building paper rockets, chemistry, by mixing bicarbonate of soda with vinegar and how light works by building periscopes.

Dstl education outreach manager, Jaime Cullen, said: “Dstl does a lot of work like this in schools, helping to get children excited about science, technology, engineering and maths. Children love meeting real scientists and finding out about the practical applications of the things they have learned in school.”
 

Headteacher Michael Bainbridge said: “The children have been inspired and enthused by their experiences today. Tomorrow the children will be following up interests that were ignited today and hope the appeal sparked in science continues for the long term.”
 

ENDS

For more information contact the Dstl press office on 01980 658088, 07766 134768,

press@dstl.gov.uk.
 

Notes to editors:
 

Dstl

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) leads the defence science and technology sector’s response to the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) current operations and future defence strategy. Dstl’s work saves lives in the , overseas and on the frontline.

Dstl maximises the impact of science and technology (S&T) for defence and security requirements, working with industry and academia to deliver battle-winning technologies. It identifies real S&T advances and works to pull ideas rapidly in to service. Dstl also works with other government departments, exploiting its expertise and knowledge to improve the safety and security of citizens.
 

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is a trading fund of the Ministry of Defence and is accountable to government, to the taxpayer and the troops it supports in the field every day.
 

More than 3,700 of the nation’s most talented and creative scientists, technologists and engineers work for Dstl at its three main sites: Porton Down, near Salisbury, Portsdown West, near Portsmouth, and Fort Halstead , near Sevenoaks.

www.dstl.gov.uk