The Scottish Government has launched a “Positive About Science” invention competition as part of its campaign bearing the same title.

It asks young people to develop the scientific inventions that they have always dreamed of creating - for example, designing an invisible earphone to eavesdrop on conversations, creating a robot that does their homework or a football they can direct with the power of thought.

The aim is to raise awareness among 11- to 16-year-olds of the variety of exciting professions that become viable when they choose science as an option and to challenge the common perception of it as “geeky”.

The competition will be judged by the chief scientific adviser, Anne Glover, and the top five will win a new iPod.

Applications require the student’s contact information, along with a detailed description of their revolutionary invention. The closing date is March 7.

www.infoscotland.comscience621.html.