Activities designed to make science seem fun will take place in schools this week.

As part of National Science Week, primary school pupils in the Wallingford area will face a series of challenges, such as building a structure out of spaghetti and marshmallow and balancing an egg on the top.

The initiative is being organised by the Local Education Authority and the Wallingford Partnership Schools.

One of the co-ordinators, teacher Ruth Chapman of St John's School, said a varied programme is planned, culminating in a Science Fair at St Nicholas School on Friday.

She said: "Apart from the spaghetti and marshmallow challenge, the programme includes a visit to the science laboratories at Wallingford School, science-based plays by the Quantum Theatre group from London, and nature workshops led by Emma Wilding of the local wildlife trust."

Sue Cooper, a science advisory teacher for the LEA, will be setting pupils a challenge to separate a mixture of sand, dried peas, marbles, rice and paperclips using a few tools but not their hands. She said: "I think they will find it an exciting week."