Online laboratory for science lessons

So far 80 schools have registered for the science project

Science demonstrations for schools are to be presented live on the internet in the autumn term.

The eClassrooms project, beginning on 5th September, will allow schools to watch experiments taking place at the Royal Institution in London.

So far 80 schools have registered to watch the free webcasts, which will be introduced by the presenter of science television programmes, Adam Hart-Davies.

The scheme, backed by the Department for Education and Employment and arranged by health company Novartis, is seeking to develop ways of using the internet in the classroom.

Susan Greenfield wants the project to promote a greater interest in science

This will allow pupils, wherever they are in the country, to observe the demonstrations and send questions by e-mail to scientists at the Royal Institution.

The first webcast will expain DNA replication and how it has been used for purposes such as the human genome project and "genetic fingerprinting".

The second demonstration will look at how a hydrogen fuel cell can produce pollution free energy.

The demonstrations, which are aimed at pupils in the first year of studying science A-levels, will be introduced by the director of the Royal Institution, Professor Susan Greenfield.

"Innovative methods of science teaching - like eClassrooms, can only help develop pupils' interest in science and will hopefully encourage them to continue their studies and hopefully explore a career in science," said Professor Greenfield.