Feature: Young scientists, engineers fair kicks off in Birmingham

The Big Bang, or UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, the largest event of its kind in Britain, kicked off Wednesday in Birmingham.

The Big Bang is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people, aged between five and 19, in Britain. It's the seventh edition since it was launched in 2009.

Students who took part in the first day event could not only experienced various kinds of smells and sound in a show hosted by popular top food science presenter Stefan Gates, but also interacted with professionals from high-tech, education companies and organizations from the world, as well as communicated with intelligent robot.

That's not all. Visitors could see an upside down image though a giant eyeball shaped model, and learn how a camera works. While in the central area of the fair, a multifunctional machine provides unique opportunities for student to learn how the lights of the stage in a theater work and also draw something by 3D printing pen.

In a corner of the hall, two "Vikings" were telling students the science that existed in the life of those pirates in the eighth century rather than their history.

Terry Harvey-Chadwick, one of the interpreter explained, the weapons that the Vikings used could show the physics, the compass and stick for navigation position through the sun and star could be explained by astronomy, while the technology that the Vikings creating a boat was the most advanced in that era.

Heather Carty, teacher of Cherry Orchard Primary School, said a total of 60 pupils from her school came to take part in the event on Wednesday. She said taking children out of school to take part in the science fair could make children see the knowledge they learnt in school in practical and have more interaction, which made children very exciting.

Paul Jackson, chief executive of The Big Bang, said "This year is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting years yet, with an amazing range of shows and hands-on activities. The Big Bang Fair is much more than just a fun day out."

"It gives young people the chance to speak to leading scientists and engineers and to see for themselves the range of exciting careers that their science and maths subjects can lead to," said Jackson.

Minister for State School Reform Nick Gibb, who opened this year's Fair, said events like the Big Bang Fair helped young people develop their excitement about studying maths, science and engineering.

"Our plan for education will ensure all pupils leave school with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a competitive global economy and I am pleased to support the Big Bang Fair in celebrating the best of UK engineering and science talent," he said.

The Big Bang takes place in every March, and about 200 organizations across business, industry, government and academia participate in the event.

This year's fair will end on March 14, and 75,000 young people are expected to visit. Endit