"I learned that not all science is boring" - just one of the comments from over 250 girls brought together to get their hands dirty, their enthusiasm ignited and their eyes opened to the possibilities of a career in science.

On offer a chance to do everything from create a model of swine flu, collect a DNA sample and make it into a necklace, and build and race a model supersonic car. From robots to cider, code busting to a car run on waste, there was something from just about every sector of science.

"I learnt chemistry is cool," reported another pupil from one of 15 schools invited to the day in Weston super Mare.

The unique initiative, called Skirting Science, is a collaboration between the local branch of the internationally acclaimed Soroptimists International, which  promotes women across the globe, the science department of the Hans Price Academy in the town and North Somerset’s Independent and State School Partnership, Aspire

Now in its third year, Skirting Science, which does not get any formal funding, was opened by a young female chemist from Bristol University, Dr Preeti Kaur. "This event is so great. It shows girls just what a huge variety of things that they can do in science, and how exciting it can be."

A sentiment echoed by the head of exhibitions and programmes at the National Science Museum, Jo Quinton-Tulloch who said: "Iinitiatives like this that enthuse and inspire young people, and especially girls, to think differently about science and technology will help to encourage greater interest and confidence in science. And also show that science is fun!"

But perhaps the last word should go to one of the girls who told organisers quite simply what she had learned: "I just didn’t even know before now that girls can become engineers."
 

Skirting Science was supported by BLOODHOUND SSC Engineer Holly Papadopoulos and Education Centre Manager Steve Lewis with the BLOODHOUND SSC KNEX Challenge. For more information on Skirting Science, email Susie Watkins-Polakova at susannahwatkins@hotmail.com.