A SCIENCE show sent shock waves across the Wee County and was enjoyed by hundreds of pupils last week.

Hosted by Dollar Academy, the Royal Institution of Great Britain brought its exciting family physics and chemistry show 'Explosive Food' to Clackmannanshire on Thursday, delighting hundreds of budding little scientists from the area.

More than 300 pupils from the academy as well as Strathdevon, Tillicoultry, Menstrie and Coalsnaughton primaries saw a range of colourful and exciting experiments, inspiring demonstrations and unexpected scientific adventures in an afternoon showing.

With specially trained presenters in action, the youngsters had the chance to see food in a new light. Experiments included setting off Alka-Seltzer rockets, creating a Mentos fountain, electrocuting gherkins and exploding flour with plenty of loud bangs and a whole lot of mess.

A second show also took place in the evening and the school's Assembly Hall was jam-packed with local families as well as groups like the Beavers and Brownies, Cubs and Scouts.

During the day a continuing professional development (CPD) event was also held with 15 teachers from across the county in attendance

Alison Morrison, assistant rector and head of the prep and junior school at Dollar Academy, said: “These shows offered a superb opportunity for Dollar Academy to host an exciting science event for many young people, and their families, in the Clackmannanshire community.

“We were delighted to invite local primary pupils to join us in celebrating the wonders of science, up-close and personal, in this informative and entertaining show put on by the prestigious Royal Institution.

“We were also pleased to offer such a valuable CPD opportunity for Dollar Academy teachers and other local primary teachers; the twilight training event was inspiring and full of fresh ideas for use in the classroom.”

Dr Shona Scheuerl, chemistry teacher and the head of junior sciences, added: “We delighted that so many people from the local community and local primary schools were so keen to engage with science.

“It was such an informative and enjoyable family science show.”