Youngsters get to grips with science

Sep 17 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

Large Hadron Collider

AS THE world last week watched a physics experiment – reported to be one of the most significant scientific experiments since the Apollo 11 moon landings – Wirral Metropolitan College has been using the experience to champion science.

While the Large Hadron Collider started to simulate conditions understood to exist moments after the universe was born, the media shared the experience with a worldwide audience.

And over at Wirral Met, principal Mike Potter, who is a physicist, took part in discussions with science students at the college’s Twelve Quays Campus.

He said: “I am delighted that the media coverage of this experiment has generated such interest in science, and physics in particular.

“Over time, the experiment will increase our understanding of science and our universe and, while it will undoubtedly present more questions and challenges, the immediate interest that it has generated will, I hope, encourage more young people to develop a career in science and technology.

“At Wirral Metropolitan College, many thousands of people study with us each year and in the past few years this has included students who have progressed into higher education to enjoy subjects such as forensic science, astrophysics and many other subjects that lead to successful careers.”

For more information, contact Wirral Metropolitan College on 551 7777 or call in and see a student adviser at Conway Park Campus, Birkenhead.