Thursday 27 November 2014

Extracting DNA with Prof.Holloway, Dr Holloway and Dr Hollis

 Today we had an absolutely fantastic time at Science Club with three scientists from Southampton University- Professor John Holloway, Dr Jude Holloway and Dr Veronica Hollis. All three talked about what had fascinated them at Primary school and why they ended up as scientists. Most pupils had never met a Professor before and were surprised that Prof. John looked quite normal!
 
Jude clearly explained to us how our DNA is like an instruction book, making us the way were are with a range of different features and characteristics. We then actually saw DNA for the first time by extracting it from mushed up strawberries! After adding a soapy mixture and ethanol, the strawberry DNA solidified and rose the the surface. Awesome!But there was more to come...
 
We then were all instructed to chew on our cheeks for 30 seconds and spit into a tube of water. We then added soapy liquid and ethanol and waited for strands of DNA to appear. By adding a few drops of red or green dye, the DNA from the nuclei of our cheek cells was very clear to see. We then carefully placed some of our DNA into a keepsake necklace. Absolutely amazing!
 
We all went away with necklaces, a sheet explaining what we had been doing and a DNA tattoo. Massive thanks to John, Jude, Veronica and John Holloway junior for leading such an amazing session! Mr Parker and Mr Hastings also came to join in the fun. Look out for their DNA necklaces, worn with pride! Let's just hope they don't clone themselves, eh?! 

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Watch out in the Echo .

Applemore so enjoyed our visit that they're hoping to write a piece in the Echo and Herald. Here are the photos they are going to include.

Thursday 20 November 2014

Jelly Baby Investigation.

Well done to Lex for getting his jelly baby investigation results back to me. His baby in water; called Wilfred, grew by 0 6 cm to a whopping height of 3.6cm. Can anyone beat Lex?

Trip to Applemore College

We had a fantastic time visiting Applemore College after school for a chemistry lesson. We made sparklers, tested for hydrogen with burning splints, watched the whoosh bottle experiment and played with methane bubbles. The pictures show how much we were able to fit in during our 45 minute club session. We are really grateful to Mr Marsh and Miss Parvin and her colleagues for all of the work they put into making the session so interactive. 

We are now looking forward to having a lesson in Genetics next week from Prof. And Dr Holloway from Southampton University. 

Friday 14 November 2014

Session 1- look at our photos!

We had a lot of fun in session 1. Don't forget to tell us the results of your jelly baby experiment.
We will collect un from your class at 3.10pm on Thursday to travel to Applemore. You do not need to bring anything with you. We will return to school for 4.30pm when you can pick up your bags.