Catalyst has the 'wow' factor (From Warrington Guardian)

Catalyst has the 'wow' factor

WOW!

That's the reaction of ecstatic youngsters visiting Halton's vibrant new Star-Trek style lab, equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets, curvy lilac benches and brilliant yellow stools.

"Children who come in here say: 'Wow!'" said Julie Burgess-Wilson, director of the newly refurbished Catalyst Science Discovery Centre.

"Most science labs feel old and dreary. We've deliberately designed this to be lively and funky.

"Our key thing is to show that science is really exciting."

Bubbly was popped to celebrate the launch of three new attractions, thanks to a £650,000 grant from the Millennium Commission's ReDiscover Fund.

A trailblazing 3D virtual reality theatre has already proved a big hit.

"It's so interactive, it's really exciting," said Julie.

"The 3D glasses are so realistic, you feel as though you could reach out and touch the objects. "There are four brightly coloured buttons in front of each seat. You get facts thrown at you on the screen and questions. The interaction seems to appeal to people of all ages."

A virtual tour of the Ineos chemical plant, designer cancer drugs and how a car is made - are all brought to life in multi media presentations.

Youngsters can also discover just how many rewarding scientific jobs are available - at the touch of a button.

Cutting-edge interactive screens have been designed in an innovative careers corridor.

Local scientists talk about their jobs in illustrative, informative films, using the latest IT.

Laura McShane, a young chemistry lab technician, at Runcorn's Heath Business Park, demonstrates how she blows things up!

Dentist Dafyadd Daviews explains why he loves looking after people's teeth.

Alan Brown, who left school with no qualifications and started as a cleaner at Daresbury science lab, describes how he climbed the career ladder to become a research scientist!

"He is a fantastic role model," said Julie. "Children will really be able to relate to him.

"There are not many people taking chemistry and science degrees, yet there is so much potential.

"I did a lot of research with children and asked them what they wanted to know. 'What will we be earning?' and 'How long will it take us to qualify?' were the main things.

"If we can inspire children to think differently about science, we know we can get them interested."

The Alchemy Theatre opens in the summer but everything else is now up and running.

Call Catalyst on 0151-420 1121 for details.