CHILDREN from Wharton C of E Primary School have teamed up with engineers from Manchester Metropolitan University to develop a fun science experiment game.

The year three class worked with science coordinator, Denise Coggin and engineers, Dr Peter Twigg and Dr Dave Southall, over the last term.

The aim of the game is to develop and use a pendulum rig to launch a projectile. The winner is the one who can land it on a target the most number of times. Dr Southall, a television presenter for the Discovery Channel, built the rig with ideas developed by children.

The event has been funded by The Royal Society Partnership Scheme. The scheme provides grants of up to £3,000 for schools to run projects in partnership with a professional scientist or engineer. The partnership is hoped to help raise the profile of science and engineering in the school.

Dr Twigg said: “The pendulum rig experiment is an excellent example of how rigorous concepts in science can be encouraged and fostered through fun and fascinating activities, at any age.

“It is hoped that by creating a passion for science and engineering in children as early as possible, it will allow scientific development and enquiry skills to develop as they proceed through school.”