TV wildlife expert, Nick Baker, joined BAE Systems and the Royal Air Force to support the launch of a nationwide initiative to motivate and inspire the next generation of British scientists and engineers.

Now in its fifth year, the 2010 Schools Road-show will be larger than ever before, visiting over 300 schools over the course of the year. The show will be seen by around 40,000 young people from age nine to 14 in towns and cities across the UK, from Portsmouth to Glasgow.

The theme for this year's road-show is 'biomimetics' or biologically inspired technologies. Demonstrating how engineers and scientists throughout history have taken their cue from the performance of animals and plants, a touring theatre group will bring to life the vital role that nature has played in influencing the design of some of the world's most iconic inventions, from helicopters and submarines to the Harrier jump-jet.

As the UK's largest employer of skilled engineers, BAE Systems is working with the Royal Air Force to encourage pupils to take a greater interest in science, technology, engineering and maths to help counter a decline in those choosing engineering as a career. Recent studies have estimated that not only will just ten per cent of pupils continue with science past the age of 16, but in the next ten years the number of 18 year olds studying science will fall by 16 per cent. This steadily declining pool of engineering talent is a real challenge for British industry and the armed forces.

BAE Systems' chairman Dick Olver said: 'The Schools Road-show is a fantastic opportunity for us to show young people the practical applications of science and engineering in the real world, as well as outlining the rewarding careers available.'