A mobile science experience aimed at inspiring the great minds of the future toured local school groups in Moray this week.
The Lab in a Lorry called at Forres Academy yesterday, after visiting Buckie High School on Monday.
The scheme offers 11 to 14-year-olds the opportunity to explore science and engineering through specially created interactive experiments.
The laboratories are transported in three 44-foot lorries which have been visiting schools, youth organisations, major events, and communities across the UK and Ireland since early 2005.
They are manned by volunteers – all practising scientists and engineers.
Speaking at the lab yesterday, Forres Academy Principal Teacher of Physics Dave Baker said it was an “excellent resource”.
Mr Baker said: “It visits us every few years, and it gives us the opportunity to put some of the younger pupils through.
“It tends to be the second years we send. That’s the right age to catch them if you want to inspire them to study scientific subjects as a possible career.
“It makes an interesting change to the pupils’ daily routine, and they enjoy it thoroughly.
“We are always pleasantly surprised by the amount of knowledge they display going through it, and the staff enjoy themselves as well.”
Lab in a Lorry in Scotland is a partnership between the Institute of Physics and the Scottish Government. The Schlumberger Foundation is a founding partner and volunteer assistance is provided by STEMNET.
Institute of Physics spokeswoman Charlotte Govan said: “Lab in a Lorry is a fantastic experience for young people. It generates excitement and curiosity in science by letting them explore experimental science for themselves with the help of expert mentors.”