Materials scientists and engineers from Queen Mary's School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS) engaged students at Schools' Day at the New Scientist Live Event at London's ExCeL Centre. Schools' Day welcomes over 6,000 students with thought-provoking talks, ground-breaking discoveries, interactive experiences and hands-on activities.

Representing Discover Materials, the SEMS stand had hands-on activities with a huge range of materials. Students could handle light-weight structural materials or light-morphing materials. They could manipulate ferrofluids or discover uses for phase-change materials. The most enthusiastic had the chance to measure the mechanical properties of chocolate bars with different compositions.

Events like this are important to raise awareness of the extent to which science and engineering influences our lives and to inspire the next generation to take on science and engineering challenges.