FORTY pupils from Oxfordshire schools were told to think small during hands-on investigations into nanotechnology at Begbroke Science Park.

Pupils aged from 12 to 14 from Kingham Hill School, Matthew Arnold School, The Marlborough School, Oxford Academy and Oxford High School got the chance to learn about the science behind the cutting edge technology, which manipulates matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

Youngsters took part in a range of experiments and learned about “magic sand”, which has a coating allowing it to repel water.

Charlie Lovegrove, 13, of the Oxford Academy, also got to look through an electron microscope. He said: “It was amazing how such small things could be seen.”

Prof Peter Dobson said: “The objective of the day was to try to enthuse kids and get them to realise science is really exciting.

“They may not go on to do nanotechnology, but they may have their interest sparked and become the biologists, chemists and physicists of the future.”