The appliance of science by EGGER aids budding boffins

Leading wood-based panels manufacturer EGGER UK Ltd has gone back to school to help tomorrow's young scientists better understand how chipboard is made and offer a practical insight into the latest manufacturing processes.

A group of 12 and 13-year-old school children from St Joseph's RC Middle School in Hexham, Northumberland has been working with Egger UK on a Year 8 materials science research project. The School has received a £2,300 grant from the UK's national academy of science, The Royal Society as part of its Education Partnership Grant scheme. This aims to encourage teachers, scientists and engineers to inspire young children.

The project, carried out in conjunction with Egger, involved the children undertaking a series of classroom experiments, including a sieve analysis of chipboard geometry to see how different densities affect product performance. This was followed by a visit to Egger where they were able to discover more about the company's history and how chipboard is made. The children enjoyed a tour of the quality assurance laboratories and saw at first hand some performance testing on the wood-based panels manufactured at the site.

Harvey Wright, Egger's quality and development manager, gave an overview of the project work to be completed by the children in conjunction with the company. He enthused: "The visit was a great success and it was marvellous to discuss the project work with so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable children. "I'm sure that they got a great deal from the visit and will benefit from the practical experience offered by the project."

Alan Hodgson, St Joseph's head teacher, said: "I am delighted with Egger's help and would like to thank them very much for their support. "It makes a real difference to the project, which is going a long way to broadening the children's experience of science and giving them an invaluable insight into how it can be applied in the workplace."

Earlier this month, the children presented their findings to Egger and the School governors. Harvey Wright added: "The project has proved to be a very worthwhile exercise for both Egger and the children and we hope to regularly repeat it with St Joseph's and other schools in the North East".