Friday 9 July, this week North Birmingham Academy launched an exciting new initiative called Explore Science Week giving local primary school pupils exposure to science lessons and equipment few their age have the opportunity to explore.

Over the course of the week, more than 60 budding young scientists from Short Heath Primary, Warren Farm Primary, Twickenham Primary and Mansfield Green Primary spent time at the Academy getting to grips with secondary school style science labs and equipment and carrying out their own exciting experiments.

Whether it was creating a giant rainbow of fizz, mixing their own toothpaste or investigating the pH scale, these pupils discovered the magic of chemistry, while others dissected fish and examined microorganisms under a microscope.

Perhaps the most exciting moment came, however, when one of the groups, investigating the metals used in fireworks, received a demonstration of dragon’s breath - a firework which shoots out a long orange jet of flame. The young pyro-technicians then had the opportunity to create their very own sparklers.

At the end of the week, the budding young scientists received their own booklets full of experiments that they can try at home or in their primary schools.

The Explore Science Week is just the start of a numbers of innovative projects that the North Birmingham Academy will be organising as it shares its expertise and facilities with the community and sparks the imaginations of young people.