Science masterclasses offered by the Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and partnering Scottish universities run a series of free Sciences Masterclasses across Scotland. These sessions are offered twice-a-year, on four consecutive Saturdays in Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November) and coincide with local school holidays.

The programme is delivered by a range of experts and designed to suit S1 and S2 pupils at Scottish High Schools. Each 2.5 hour session is full of hands-on, practical activities and the classes are tailored to suit different class sizes and ages: refreshments are provided throughout the sessions.

The masterclasses are intended to give young people who have shown an interest in science and technology the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience. The classes promote widening participation and provide the students with a unique insight into academic life and research. At the end of each session, all the students are presented with individual certificates.

Details of the Spring 2018 Masterclasses held recently at Glasgow, Aberdeen, Queen Margaret and St Andrews universities are listed below. Take a look at the exciting topics that have been covered, for an insight into the diverse range of topics that could be explored in Autumn 2018:

Glasgow University

5 May – How to be a Bridge Builder

12 May –How to be an Astrophysicist

19 May –How to be an Aeroplane Designer

26 May –How to be a Rocket Scientist

Aberdeen University

5 May – Flavours and Fragrances

12 May – Low Carbon Electricity Generation and Fuel Cells

26 May –Rice, Water and Bangladesh

9 June – Physics Workshop

Queen Margaret University

12 May – Broken Bodies – experience the roles of health professionals as they treat patients

19 May – How to move people – learn to use the latest devices in the science of moving patients

26 May – Aliens have landed: you have a choice – talk or fight. What would you do?

St Andrews University

19 May – Across the Scales: from Cells to Seals

26 May – Bagpipes and Electrons

9 June – Chemical Cluedo

16 June – Dinosaur Island

Masterclasses are delivered by experts in their fields and cover a wide range of exciting science and technology topics, aimed at inspiring the pupils who attend. Former pupils on the programme have commented that they “enjoyed learning about a subject that they didn’t know anything about” and “really enjoyed the class and don’t think anything could be improved.”

Full details of the Autumn classes are yet to be confirmed but will be published on the RSE website during August. You can also contact Karen O’Neill by calling 0131 240 2791 or sending her an e-mail.

Watch the space and book early to avoid disappointment!