Herewith early information about National Science Week, please feel free to
use this information in newsletters, articles etc that you may be producing
relating to the week.  Many thanks

March 2001 - a science odyssey

From 16 - 25 March 2001, National Science Week will involve over a million
people in all manner of science events throughout the UK.  Shopping centres,
disused railway stations, art galleries, pubs and bars will host hands on
activities, debates, drama, films, competitions and demonstrations.  The
week, co-ordinated by the BA, aims to provide the best in science activities
and events for all members of the population.

Exploding Custard and Jurassic Jellies will entertain and inspire young
people in London at the BA's annual BAYSday.  In Doncaster at an
'alternative' archaeological, dig school children will retrieve what remains
of their lunches buried 6 months earlier.  Jobseekers in Rochdale will build
radio controlled Mad Max cars for a 'Robot Wars' inspired demolition derby.
Members of Parliament can discover the hottest young researchers in the UK
at a showcase of up and coming scientists.  Sixth Formers will gather in
Canterbury to compete for prizes related to their scientific research.  For
art lovers, Joan Miro's 'Constellations' with its links to astrology and
physics, will be exhibited.   In Southampton the City Art Gallery's
workshops will allow the public to examine the science behind 14th century
paintings.  Chicken Run characters will be built weatherproof and predator
proof homes in Lincoln whilst children in Halifax can stay out all night at
the Eureka Science Centre Sleep over.  Richard Dawkins, Susan Greenfield,
Frank Close, Simon Singh and Peter Snow are amongst the stars of the world
of science taking part this year.

This is the 8th National Science Week and it is expected to see a further
increase in the 6,600 opportunities for involvement achieved in 2000.   The
week is endorsed and supported by the Government through the Department of
Trade and industry.

The full programme of events will be available in February 2001 in printed
form and on the web www.britassoc.org.uk

ENDS

For further information contact:
Sallie Robins, Press Officer, the BA                                    0207
973 3078

Notes for Editors:

The BA media service AlphaGalileo and the BA Press Office are available to
help journalists in identifying scientists for interviews, features and
programming during and in the run up to the week.

The National Science Week logo is available on request, as are photos of
previous National Science Week events.







National Science Week 16-25 March, 2001; BA Festival of Science 3-7
September, Glasgow

Sallie Robins
Press Officer
the BA
23 Savile Row London W1X 2NB
Direct Line:  +44  20  7973 3078
Fax: +44 20 7973 3051
[log in to unmask]
www.britassoc.org.uk