20 May 2003
Which celeb has swiped Busted's guitar?
Schools across England attempt to solve new educational project
''Someone has got James' favourite guitar and we want it back!” claim Busted
Ms Dynamite, Blazin' Squad, footballer James Beattie, BMX rider Zach Shaw and S-Club are the five suspects in a new fictional investigation – The Planet Science Whodunit - which has just begun in thousands of schools across England.
Over 500,000 students, between the ages of 8-14 years, have turned super sleuth in the classroom as they attempt to solve the mystery. Using specially created forensic kits, classes conduct authentic forensic tests on mock crime scene evidence, to determine which of the celebrities is the dastardly culprit!
The specially created forensic kits contain four clues which each class must solve using ‘real-life’ forensic techniques.
On completion of the investigation, classes can register their results on www.planet-science.com and be entered into a prize draw to win a range of prizes for their school. The culprit will be revealed in July and a fun and succinct punishment administered.
Students not eligible to participate in the actual project can still take part in the online activities on www.planet-science.com. Activities include the quiz competition ‘The SuperSleuth Training Challenge’ where ‘investigators’ have the opportunity to win a guitar signed by Busted.
‘’The classes have now got the kit and all the clues needed to solve this Planet Science Whodunit...so it's up to you detectives!'' continued Busted.
-ends-
Notes to Editors
Students wanting to take part in the Planet Science Whodunit at the last minute should ask their teachers to register on www.planet-science.com to receive a FREE forensics kit (limited number still available). Full details and guidelines are available on the site.
·The four clues in the forensic kit are -
-Shoe scraping specimens
-Swipe card and black magnetic powder
-Ink chromatography and surgical spirit
-Fabric samples
Each class must register the results of their forensic tests on the www.planet-science.com website. Classes, which have correctly identified the culprit, will be entered into a prize draw to win some exciting prizes. Winners will be announced at the staged courtroom trial and posted on the website
The Planet Science Whodunit is only applicable to schools in England teaching key stages 2 & 3 (teaching 8-14 year olds).
About Planet Science (formerly Science Year):
Planet Science is managed by NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts) on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills. It aims to raise awareness of science among young people and their key influencers - parents and teachers.
From September 2002 – July 2003, Planet Science will continue to work with teachers, industry and the Government, to build on the wide range of activities, initiatives and programmes delivered by local and national organisations during Science Year from September 2001 – August 2002.
Planet Science seeks to highlight the many creative opportunities that exist in the workplace today for young people with a science qualification, together with the importance and the impact that science has on our everyday lives.
A number of forensic kits are available for media. Images are available on www.planet-science.com Please contact Planet Science for further information or to request a kit