It's the appliance of science

By rupert hall

HUNDREDS of school children from across South Wales have taken part in a ground-breaking science exhibition in Swansea.

Engineers of the future tried their hand at everything from making their own shampoo to racing solar-powered cars and even watching scientists set themselves on fire.

Big Bang Cymru was held for the first time at the National Waterfront Museum and formed part of a UK-wide event.

The exhibition was designed to celebrate the achievement of learners in Wales who have taken part in projects covering science, technology, engineering and maths over the past 12 months.

Teenager Shawn Brown, who was named UK engineer of the year 2009, brought along his bamboo bicycle and spoke to youngsters at the show about his achievements and experience in engineering.

Shawn, 19, said bamboo was stronger, lighter and more sustainable as a material than steel for bike frames. He said: "Some species of bamboo grow a metre a week, and for that reason it is a waste product.

"I went to Ghana four weeks ago and worked on a project building a nursery school which used bamboo for guttering."

Big Bang Cymru was organised by Careers Wales West, which offers careers information, guidance and advice for people of all ages.

It was sponsored by major Swansea employer Alberto Culver.

Careers Wales West policy manager and Big Bang Cymru project manager Del Thomas said the event was a good chance for youngsters to showcase the work they had been doing over the last year.

She said: "These youngsters are going to get our economy back into good shape.

"They are going to put manufacturing back on the map.

"We've relied too long on the service sector, but it's manufacturing that supports the service industries.

"There is a huge benefit to studying science, technology engineering and maths, and a lot of potential to have a career in those areas."

Welsh Assembly Government deputy Minister for Science Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths, opened the event.

She said science, technology, engineering and maths were vitally important in today's society.

She said: "Increasing our expertise in these areas is essential for the economic wellbeing for Wales.

"Those involved in the workshops and exhibitions are playing an important role in helping to enthuse primary school children here today about the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) agenda."