YOUNG scientists have had a fun-packed start to science week making rockets, lava lamps and gooey blue slime.

There is still more in store this week at Shelley College where science is an important part of school life.

Debbie Lumb, assistant head, told the Examiner the subject has never been seen as ‘geeky’ at the Huddersfield Road school.

She said: “The science experiments we’ve been doing are all fun-based and things the children can do at home.

“On Saturday morning they demonstrated what they had learnt at Science club to their families.

“They made lava lamps and slime from cornflour and we had some really good feedback.”

The pupils have been taking part in National Science and Engineering Week.

On Monday, scientists brought in a 20ft rocket and discussed the future of space voyage with students.

Mrs Lumb said: “One of the scientists told the children he always dreamed of becoming an astronaut.

“He told them of plans to help normal passengers travel into space in 2013.

“And said if the children had a dream about going into space they should stick to it, because the industry needs young enthusiastic people who are going to study science.”

Today, the children will go down to Morrisons to show off their experiments to the public between 1pm and 3pm.

On Thursday, they will be looking at a landspeed bike with representatives from Dewsbury company, Performance Engineering.

National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the British Science Association and funded by DIUS (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills), in partnership with the ETB (Engineering Technology Board)

Mrs Lumb, who has worked at Shelley College for ten years, said: “Science is really important in teaching children skills for life.

“There’s science behind everything we do in our everyday lives.

“It’s great for children and adults to be able to understand science and its relation to the world.

“Hopefully this week will motivate some of the students to seek careers in the subject – it’s important for our future.”

As part of the national scheme, science and engineering events are planned in venues across the country.

To find out what is going on in West Yorkshire, visit www.sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk