Popular broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis will inform and entertain hundreds of school pupils from Highland and Moray during an interactive science class at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort on August 29 2007.

Best known for revealing what the Romans, Victorians, Greeks, Egyptians and others did for us, Mr Hart-Davis will emphasise the continuing importance of developing skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to his young audience.

"The Highlands of Scotland is a fantastic arena for research and development, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, sustainability and marine science," said Mr Hart-Davis.

"There are many exciting opportunities for young people to become involved in pure science or indeed industrial development. Mankind's future survival and the shape of life in the next century depend on the skills of today's young scientists."

Mr Hart-Davis said his message in Aviemore would be: "The world is changing - play your part in the future."

The awareness raising event, organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), promises to show how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can be used and enjoyed both inside the classroom and in the world outside.

The youngsters will get a flavour of the current ground-breaking research and development work being undertaken in the Highlands, thanks to exhibitions and demonstrations by NHS Highland Pharmacy and Highland Innovation Centre- Inverness, The Scottish Association for Marine Science, near Oban and Varis Engineering of Forres. Other tasters will include The Cosmic Dome planetarium and the chance to try out experiments with Chemical Connections and Lab in a lorry.

Experiments with timber sounding, metal detecting and robotics will be making the connection between the school laboratory bench and the exciting world of innovation. Space tourism, iPods and satnavs are familiar concepts in the 21st century but they all had their birth in the sciences. Huge advances in the medical field to improve health and quality of life are further motivation for embracing a career in science or technology.

William Roe, chair of HIE, will acknowledge the current high profile of the sciences in the Highland economy:

"Being a scientist, technician, engineer, or mathematician is about far more than working with wires, numbers and test tubes," said Mr Roe. "It is about changing our world, changing people's lives. The ways in which creative, innovative ideas can be developed into new products, new jobs, even whole new industries - that's what we mean when we refer to the knowledge economy.

"It is vitally important that today's young people, who will be the scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians of tomorrow, learn more about the opportunities to build a career in these exciting fields. We can all support formal educators to stimulate interest for the benefit of future generations."

STEM partnerships aim to nurture an interest and involvement in the sciences among young people, their educators and others in the community. Increasing the STEM knowledge supply is necessary for the UK to meet the skills challenge to be globally competitive and a world leader in science-based research and development.

The local STEM partnership comprising HIE, local authorities and sector skills councils will work to highlight career opportunities in the science, technology and engineering industries in the Highlands and Islands. Other interested organisations are also invited to join this partnership.

A STEM partnership director for the Highlands, Donna Chisholm said: "I will be working to encourage employers, learning organisations, parents and carers, employees and any interested individuals to contribute resources and ideas to make the STEM agenda come to life in a vibrant and exciting way."