A world record has been smashed by more than 1,000 Northern Irish school children. On Tuesday students travelled from 29 schools across the region and gathered in Belfast's Odyssey Arena as part of the Northern Ireland Science Festival.

The event saw 1,339 local year 7 and 8 students take part in the world’s biggest ever simultaneous science lesson where the students carried out a ‘crimatography’ experiment, which involved solving a crime using science.

The schoolchildren sat at tables, lining the floor of the arena and took instructions from their teacher on stage. They were instructed to conduct experiments showing scientific 'separation'.

Tom O'Hare (11), one of the students involved, said: "We did do this before we came here but it's good to do it again and get the memory back up for it. I wouldn't say I learned anything I didn't know already but I did enjoy it. It will probably help me for my next test if it's included in it."

Pravin Patel, an adjudicator with Guinness World Records, said the day was a great success: "To complete the record they had to follow a set of guidelines that anyone attempting the record has to follow.

"They had to complete at least two experiments and complete a workbook, which they did and it was fantastic."

The previous world record consisted of 982 participants and was achieved by ‘The Rodillian Academy’ in Yorkshire on 15 July 2014.

Minister for employment and learning, Stephen Farry, said: “I congratulate all the students here today who have come together to become world record breakers. I am pleased that the previous world record has not only been surpassed, but vastly exceeded.

This is another example of how the Science Festival has been able to showcase our considerable Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) talent and skills, which will be key drivers behind our economy in the 21st century.

“After meeting the students who took part their enthusiasm for STEM subjects is clear for all to see. I’m sure that they will maintain this enthusiasm as they continue to study STEM subjects at school, college and university in Northern Ireland, and will ultimately seek employment in these key sectors of our local economy.

“The Science Festival offers young people an excellent hands-on way to get involved with STEM. By supporting the Festival my Department continues to deliver the aims of the Success through STEM strategy by encouraging young people to develop the skills and qualifications required in STEM-related careers which are so key to future economic growth and so attractive to inward investors.”

The world record breaking event, officially adjudicated by Guinness, was organised by the Science Festival Board and Royal Society of Chemistry and is part of the Northern Ireland Science Festival.

The Northern Ireland Science Festival, which is co-sponsored by the Department for Employment and Learning, began on February 19 and runs until March 1. It will feature over 100 events to an expected audience of over 12,000 visitors.

Reporting by Ricky Thompson

Credit: Belfast Telegraph