It IS Rocket Science at Edge Hill

Burscough Priory pupils put everyday household items to good use to win an imaginative science challenge at Edge Hill.

Charged with the task of crafting a working rocket, Ian Caunce, Alix Horton and Daniel Evans used a lemonade bottle, a foot-pump, a garden hose and an old mirror stand to great effect and won the years eight and nine category in the process.

South Craven pupils Jodie Booth, Lisa Allport and Ysabelle Miles took the year seven prize.

Matthew Cochrane, head of science and physical education at Edge Hill, said: "The main aim of the day was to see variety and imagination in the groups? designs and that was certainly proved to be the case. All the rockets were very different and employed a range of ways to catapult the rocket including chemical reactions and air pressure."

Out of the many North West and Yorkshire teams that entered, academics from Birkenhead School and Edge Hill adjudged Burscough Priory?s and South Craven?s efforts to be the best and each pupil picked up a calculator for their efforts along with a computer data logger for the school.

"All pupils showed a good understanding of scientific principles and they demonstrated the working of their rocket really well," added Matthew. "This was our first ever science challenge and I?m hopeful that it will turn into an annual event."