Scientists and support staff from the MRC PPU recently enjoyed a visit with a P3 class at Forthill Primary for a fun morning of hands on experiments with a Superhero theme.

Laura Grasso demonstrated Wolverine's fast healing abilities through the explanation of blood components using sunflower oil and sweets, which proved to be too much of a temptation for some of the kids. Dry ice bubble experiments were lead by Laurel Chandler linking to Elsa from Frozen's special cold powers. Magneto's powers, along with homemade compasses, were both explained by Elaine Forsyth through the use of magnets, with one boy commenting "so when the magnets are attracted to each other that's like when you fancy someone?" Finally, the kids were encouraged to copy Superman's super breath, using a simple lung function test, by Gail Gilmour. The morning was rounded off outside with a few messy Pepsi and Mentoes explosions, which the children (and admittedly the adults!) found extremely funny using homemade triggers to obtain the highest geysers.

Overall, the morning proved to be a big hit and provided a fun introduction to hands-on general science experiments for the P3 children. There was plenty of loud vocal appreciation from the children and assurances from many that scientist is now their primary career choice.