Wrexham Science Festival 2010

In this week's programme Adam Walton returns to Glyndwr University to preview a few more of the events that will be taking place this week at the Wrexham Science Festival.

Science historian Allan Chapman reveals how an 11 year old girl named a planet. When in early 1930 Clyde Tombaugh from the Lowell Observatory in Arizona discovered a new planet the search was on to find a name for it. At the time Venetia Burney, an 11 year old schoolgirl with an interest in astronomy and classical mythology, was staying with her grandfather in Oxford. Over breakfast one morning she suggested Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld. Her grandfather mentioned the name to a colleague who in turn cabled the Lowell Observatory and Venetia's suggestion made it into the astronomy books.

We also explore two different types of scientific diversity in this week's programme: biodiversity and geodiversity. You might associate biodiversity with rainforest, savannah and coral reefs but Emma Broad from Wrexham Borough Council will be introducing audiences at the Wrexham Science Festival to the biodiversity on their doorsteps. She takes Adam for a stroll in Wrexham's Acton Park to show him a few of the species she'll be talking about.

Geodiversity is the variety of different rocks you can find around you - not just the local geology but also those which are used in paving stones, building materials, even gravestones. Cynthia Burek, Professor of Geoconservation at the University of Chester is leading an exploration of Rossett churchyard near Wrexham during the Festival. She reveals how the geology of gravestones reflects our history and culture.

Finally this week, Adam meets Ben Tawil, Playwork Lecturer at the University of Chester. Ben believes that over the last two decades children have been given less and less freedom to play and that their play is increasingly directed by adults. Research shows that play is an important factor in creating emotional wellbeing, brain development, socialisation and dealing with stress.

The Festival runs until Saturday 10th July.

Wrexham Science Festival website