Science catches eyes of passersby

Lourdes Square in San Ġwann doubled up as a miniature Science expo in the first in a series of such public fairs that aims to popularise science.

There was a strong green flavour among the exhibits, which included a small wind turbine, a handmade solar panel and even a water turbine powered by a small water cascade.

Another simple exhibit which particularly fascinated the children was a machine which pumped out a steady stream of air and kept a ball floating at its tip.

All the exhibits were research projects made by students at the Council for Science and Technology.

Animators in costume also assisted in explaining the exhibits, acting them out.

A government spokesman said the idea behind the fair was to attract the community and engage it in a day of fun and learning through interactive science exhibits and demonstrations.

The fairs are organised by the Council for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, and will also be set up in St Paul's Bay, Marsascala, Mqabba, Xagħra and Mtarfa throughout the year.

The event actually forms part of a larger national campaign to encourage more students to choose a career in science, which kicked off last year with a festival at the university.