School kids jump at record chance (From Penarth Times)

School kids jump at record chance

PENARTH pupils have leapt into the record books after taking part in a nationwide 'Giant Jump'.

Children from Westbourne School joined over a million other youngsters for the organised event which launched Science Year.

At 11am on September 7, children right across the UK jumped for one minute for the experiment, which was designed to find out the seismic effect on the earth of so many people bounding at once.

Two Guinness World Records were broken in the process, firstly for the largest simultaneous jump and secondly for the largest number of people participating in a world record.

Science Year aims to improve the way in which science is viewed, taught and studied so young people can engage more creatively in a future that is increasingly dominated by science and technology.

The 12-month campaign will work towards improving the profile and perception of science, enhancing science and strengthening and demonstrating links between schools, higher education and industry.

Assembly minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Jane Davidson, who took part in the Giant Jump, said: "Science is exciting. It can open a whole new world of wonder and fascination - it's not just for boffins stuck in a lab. It affects all our lives - even when we're asleep.

"Britain has an outstanding reputation for scientific achievement and Science Year is about keeping it that way."

She added: "We need to keep children inspired about science, raise their awareness and reach out to those who haven't even considered a career in science.

"It can offer exciting and rewarding job opportunities. Creating new products, finding ways of improving the quality of our lives and utilising the talent of our youngsters is all important if we are to address skills shortages. Increasing the productivity of the economy of Wales will bring huge benefits to us all."