MAD scientists inspired young Einsteins at Gaskell Primary School.

To mark National Science Week, school teachers organised a week long series of events starting with mad scientists coming into school leading workshops.

The scientists were from Mad Science North West.

And then aliens crashed their spaceship in school grounds and ask for help from children in the early years department to help rebuild it.

Young people explored the universe when an inflatable planetarium arrived in school to teach children about the solar system and space travel.

The week ended with a show and tell session by proud pupils to parents and governors.

Hayley Peacock our Science Subject Leader said: “Our children love science and can’t wait for their next lesson.

"They are enthusiastic and eager to engage in messy hands-on investigations, in order to test out their scientific predictions.

"Our Science Week this year is themed all around earth and apace and is a great opportunity to extend the children’s passion for science even more.

"The whole school are very excited about having a really fun-packed week.

"Our Nursery and Reception children couldn’t wait to tell me all about their visiting alien and his broken spaceship."

Hamza Akhtar, aged 10, said: "“It was amazing experience. I really enjoyed being part of the assembly because I dressed up as a mad scientist and conducted a very dangerous experiment."

Kelsey Bushell, aged seven, said she enjoyed the planetarium.

She said: "We had an awesome day, I learnt so much about space and the planets.”

Schools across Bolton have been marking the week, with Sharples High School staging a bush tucker trial to show perception and senses play a large part when it comes to food.

For after eating a feast of bugs, staff and children were presented with what they thought were eyeballs, and after forcing themselves to eat them — they found out they were lychees.

Caroline Molyneux, assistant headteacher, said: "It shows how the eyes connect with the mouth, they eyes take over and they can't put it in their mouths — the activity was about what your senses tell you."

Young people also had a chance to explore the forces of physics by designing and racing their own balloon car.

The balloon-powered cars were built to help children better understand the scientific concepts related to rocket propulsion.

They used ideas concerning mass and force to work out ways in which the distance travelled by the car could be improved.

One of the best performing cars was built by Aadail Nassar, aged 13, and his team.

He said: "It feels good to win, we only designed and made it in 45 minutes."