Manchester girls win UK’s toughest science contest

A team of students from Altrincham Girls Grammar School in Manchester have won the grand final of the most challenging science competition Paperclip Physics, organised by the Institute of Physics and involving teams of students from all over the UK.

Paperclip Physics asks students to become teachers for a day and explain a concept of physics, using everyday objects, to a panel of judges. The Manchester team won with a dramatic performance which made the process of star-birth easy to understand. They outlined how stars are born, what processes keep them alive and some of the problems with nuclear fusion and fission. In a staged sketch using hula hoops, giant ropes, specially designed hats and costumes, the team acted out the roles of Miss Gravity and Miss Strong Force who struggle against the forces of physics to bring together two charges in the process that keeps stars like our Sun alive.

The triumphant team was Catherine Brown, Becky Kennedy, Caroline Young and Victoria Young. They were accompanied by physics teachers Pam Howie and Melissa Lord.

Guest judge Nick Owen from BBC Midlands Today said: “The girls from Altrincham managed to make me understand a really tricky concept through their enthusiasm and a great use of colour and visual aids.”

Paperclip Physics is a competition for teams of 15 to 17 year olds studying physics. It has been designed to test their ingenuity, understanding of a physics principle or application, ability to work in teams, and, most importantly, ability to communicate their understanding to others. Paperclip Physics promotes the development of the skills most sought by employers and in higher education.

In a maximum of five minutes, each team was asked to make a presentation to a panel of three judges explaining the principle or application of their choice. The three judges included a non-scientist, a physics teacher and a physicist working outside of school education. The teams can use posters and demonstrations if they wish but only items that are found in the home are allowed for the construction of the demonstrations.

The winners receive a free trip to a summer science camp, donated by sponsors Aventure Scientific, the French leader for “smart” summer camps, where you can discover science through experimenting and having fun.

Find out more about how your school can take part in Paperclip Physics here http://paperclip.iop.org

Teachers interested in taking part in the competition can request a free copy of the Paperclip Physics DVD – a docu-film which follows a team through the competition. For a copy e-mail: paperclip@iop.org.

Einstein Year is a year-long celebration of physics and its relevance to all our lives. Marking the centenary of Einstein’s three ground-breaking ideas it communicates the vital role physics plays in developing new technologies like cancer screening equipment and mobile phones, whilst addressing big questions such as how the Universe was created and how climate change can be addressed.

Einstein Year is here - be inspired by physics in 2005. www.einsteinyear.org

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Notes to editors:

Pictures Available. For further information or interviews contact: David Reid, Press Officer, Tel: 020 7470 4815 or 07946 321473, E-mail: david.reid@iop.org.

The Institute of Physics is a leading international professional body and learned society with over 37,000 members, which promotes the advancement and dissemination of a knowledge of and education in the science of physics, pure and applied. It has a world-wide membership and is a major international player in:
- scientific publishing and electronic dissemination of physics;
- setting professional standards for physicists and awarding professional qualifications;
- promoting physics through scientific conferences, education and science policy advice.
The Institute is a member of the Science Council, and a nominated body of the Engineering Council. The Institute works in collaboration with national physical societies and plays an important role in transnational societies such as the European Physical Society and represents British and Irish physicists in international organisations. In Great Britain and Ireland the Institute is active in providing support for physicists in all professions and careers, encouraging physics research and its applications, providing support for physics in schools, colleges and universities, influencing government and informing public debate.

Released: 2005/03/17 16:23:41.265 GMT+0