PUPILS from four Bradford schools have been given a preview of a museum’s £1.8 million new attraction.

The children were given a glimpse of the “Wonderlab,” a major new interactive gallery opening at the newly re-named National Science and Media Museum next week.

The pupils, from Peel Park Primary School, Merlin Top Primary in Keighley, Lower Fields Primary School in Bowling and St Philips CofE Primary in Girlington were visiting the museum as part of activities associated with British Science week, which started on Monday.

The “Light Fantastic” event was organised by the museum and the Colour Experience, based in Bradford.

Over 120 Key Stage 2 children took part in the day’s activities, based around about light and colour, as well as getting a preview of the Wonderlab gallery and one of the venue’s new live shows. The gallery will not be opening to the public until Saturday March 25, and images from inside the gallery are being kept under wraps by the museum.

During the day the pupils learned how glow sticks are made, the science behind light, how we perceive different colours and took part in workshops where they made their own rainbows.

The Museum’s Partnership and Learning Projects Manager Robin Dark said: “Our Light Fantastic events have been specially designed for British Science Week.

“Partnering with the Colour Experience means the children got the benefits of visiting both venues for coordinated activities, which included a sneak peak at our new £1.8m Wonderlab gallery, along with a pilot of the ‘light it’ live show featuring lasers and illuminated sheep, before it officially opens.”

Shelley Hollingdrake, Colour Experience Assistant Manager said: “The Colour Experience are delighted to be working in partnership with the National Science and Media Museum, engaging with young scientists and helping them get to grips with light and colour.”

Rukhsana Iqbal, a teacher at Peel Park Primary, said: "The kids really loved it. There were lots of different activities there they could go on. Lots of things to do with sound and noise. There were lots of interactive displays they could enjoy, they had a really good explore while they were there."

It is hoped the Wonderlab interactive gallery will help boost visitors to the museum, especially families.

It will feature “Immersive live shows” that take place in a 70-capacity theatre, where visitors can take part in experiments such as recreating the sound of a thunderstorm. Other attractions include an anti-gravity mirror and a musical laser tunnel, as well as one of the world’s first 3D-printed zoetropes.