For the third year running, Professor Brian Cox is offering to give the science lesson of a lifetime to one lucky class.
It is all aimed at promoting the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, which takes place from March 14 to 17 next year.
Teachers or students can enter their class into the prize draw with the winning lesson taking place on February 6 next year.
Prof Cox’s “mind-blowing space workshop” will explore everything from the Big Bang and black holes to extraterrestrial life. The lesson also aims to show just how important maths and science subjects are.
Earlier this year, students from Morley Academy in Leeds, who won the competition last year, were whisked off to the Jodrell Bank observatory in Cheshire – home of the gigantic Lovell telescope – for a lesson on the wonders of the universe.
Prof Cox, who is a professor of physics, said: “It’s great to be back with the Big Bang Fair. I want to capture the imaginations of these students, and show them that science, technology, engineering and maths are the most exciting places to work.
“It’s important that we inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, because they are key to the future success of our economy.
“And I hope to convince as many students as possible in the Big Bang Class of 2013 that they will enjoy being part of the UK’s scientific future.”
The Big Bang Fair itself takes place at London’s ExCeL arena. It is aimed at students aged from seven to 19 and aims to give them a glimpse into the many and varied careers and opportunities that the fields of science and engineering can offer them.
The event has a range of demonstrations and is open exclusively to school groups on March 14 and 15 and then to the wider public on March 16 and 17.
Prof Cox added: “The Big Bang Fair is about enjoying science and engineering for their own sake, but it’s also the perfect starting point for students wanting to find out more about the career possibilities in science, technology, engineering and maths.”
The Big Bang Fair hosts the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition and is also the flagship event of National Science and Engineering Week 2013.
Entries for the Big Bang Class of 2013 close on December 13 and students, teachers and parents can register on Facebook. For details, visit www.facebook.com/TheBigBang4U
For more information on the Big Bang Fair itself, visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk
CAPTION" Space talk: Students from the Morley Academy in Leeds travelled to Jodrell Bank observatory for their Big Bang Fair lesson with Professor Brian Cox