Photo opportunity: 11.30 am, Saturday 22 November at the Old Technical Institute, Small's Wynd, Dundee.
Are boys stronger than girls? Thirty school pupils will take part in experiments at the University of Dundee tomorrow (Saturday 22 November) to answer this controversial question.
The event, called Having The Heart to Get a Grip, is one of four Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Masterclasses taking place this term at the University's world-renowned School of Life Sciences.
The aim of the Masterclass is to provide the children with new insights into how the muscles in their body work and how they are supplied with blood containing oxygen and nutrients. Dr Sandy Harper will lead the investigation, along with Dr Henning Wackerhage, Dr Hari Hundal and Dr Peter Taylor from the Division of Molecular Physiology, plus Jane Illes from the Life Sciences Teaching Unit.
The S1 and S2 pupils from schools across Dundee, Tayside, Perth & Kinross will conduct experiments using grip strength dynamometers and heart rate monitors to discover: how muscle works; what muscle strength is; what muscle fatigue is; how the heart responds to the needs of the muscles and whether boys really are stronger than girls. In addition the pupils will be given a presentation on the very latest research into muscles.
The RSE Masterclasses are offered to secondary pupils who have shown an enthusiasm and flair for science and technology. Pupils have the opportunity to benefit from exposure to the inspiration of experts at the University, and the opportunity to roll-up their sleeves and take-on practical, hands-on challenges
For further information on the Masterclasses and to register, please contact Dr Harinee Selvadurai, Education and Events Officer, RSE, on 0131 240 5000.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768 e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk