Bright sparks at Moray schools have been dazzled by the power of electricity during a string of spectacular shows.
A team from London’s Science Museum visited Forres Town Hall yesterday to educate and entertain pupils with a series of experiments.
The Danger: High Voltage events focused on electricity and magnetism, igniting a passion for learning more about physics among the hundreds of pupils who attended.
Youngsters were bussed to Forres from all corners of the county in the morning and afternoon for the shows, and a public performance was held last night.
Scientist Ronan Bullock illustrated the power of a Van De Graaff generator using a Barbie doll and the assembled children gasped as the hair attached to the plastic figurine stood on end.
During one astonishing experiment, he invited Dallas Primary School teacher Nikki Bell onto the stage to demonstrate the sort of high voltages which a Tesla generator can provide.
Ms Bell held aloft a torch soaked in lighter fluid, which was set alight through the power emitted by the generator.
Her colleague at the small rural school, Anna Deregowski, said the children were thrilled by the exhibitions.
The teacher added: “It was pitched really well, and the experiments really grabbed the children’s attention.
“There was something for them all to enjoy.”
The Falconer Museum’s project development officer, Anne Owen organised the shows.
Speaking after the first set of performances wrapped up yesterday, she said the effort had proved worthwhile.
She added: “The response from the children was just fabulous, the show is really quite spectacular and they were buzzing afterwards.
“Events like these bring science to life for our young people, and they were all going away saying they would have to learn more about different parts of it.”
The shows will continue for school pupils today, with four performances scheduled between 10am and 3.15pm.
