As part of the UK's National Science and Engineering Week, the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) has launched a search for the Nation's Favourite Experiment.

The search is just one of more than 1,000 public events that will take place between 9 and 18 March. The BAAS hopes that the initiative will encourage more youngsters to take an active interest in science.

"This is the UK's biggest showcase for science and engineering," said Science Minister Malcolm Wicks.

"Since the first science week in 1944, this celebration has inspired hundreds of thousands of young people to get involved in finding out about developments in science, engineering and innovation."

The public is being encouraged to visit the Favourite Experiment site and have a look at the various experiments on display, including a banana hammer and fountains created using Mentos and Diet Coke.

The BAAS has been inspired by the recent surge in user-generated videos featuring experiments on sites such as YouTube.

Research has shown that science experiments score highly with teachers and students as an enjoyable and effective aspect of teaching.

The BAAS hopes that initiatives like the Nation's Favourite Experiment will engage and inspire huge audiences nationwide and show the exciting and fun side of science.

All entrants will be placed into a prize draw to win an Xbox 360 and the results will be announced at the close of science week on 18 March.