Whizz! Pop! Bang! Chemistry at Applemore

We have just returned from a fantastic chemistry session at Applemore College. Two of their teachers kindly gave up their precious time to lead us through some exciting chemistry experiments. We made fireworks; had a go at making hydrogen do a 'squeaky pop' ; jumped as the 'whooshy bottle' produced a ceiling-high flame ; and had fun lighting methane bubbles!

Many thanks to Miss Bryan for driving a minibus for me. Last session next week before the second group of children start Science Club. We are looking forward to working with Eddie Henbury, STEM Ambassador from Exxon Mobil.

It's all in your DNA!

Tonight we have enjoyed a really 'WOW' genetics session with three scientists from the University. Professor Holloway and Doctor Hollis talked us through the 'codebook' that is DNA. They also introduced us to James who works in a laboratory at the University.

Firstly, using soap and alcohol, we extracted the DNA from a strawberry! We were amazed by just how much DNA we could see! Next, we chewed our cheeks in order to burst cells and release our DNA. With a swig and swill of water, we collected our burst cells and added soap and alcohol. We then extracted our DNA using a pipette and placed it into a DNA necklace. By adding stain, we were able to see small strands of our own DNA- this is what makes you you!!!

We are so very lucky to be able to have this experience. There are not many people in the world who are able to see they have actually seen their DNA. We are so grateful to John, Veronica and James for coming to lead this session. We were also very pleased to be able to welcome back two ex-pupils, Alice May and Claire Holloway, who came to lend a hand. They did so with such confidence, I could have left the club in their capable hands!

What a great session! Next week we are off to Applemore for 'Whizz, Pop, Bang!' in their laboratory. Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Science Club at Noadswood

We have just returned from an absolutely fantastic Science Club session at Noadswood. Miss Guppy, and her six wonderful Science Leaders, took us through five hands-on experiments. We thoroughly enjoyed being able to take part in so many activities in such a short time!

Some of us are going home to try these experiments out in our kitchens! However, just so I don't get in trouble, please ask an adult first! Don't forget to let me know what you discover!

Ideas for you to investigate following on from today:

1. Does semi-skimmed or skimmed milk work as well in the milk experiment? Why do you think this is?

2. Do M and Ms or Smarties work in the same way as skittles when placed in a shallow bowl of water?

3. Place some celery or white carnations in water with food colouring. At Noadswood, we used blue. Do other food colourings travel up the xylem too?

Please let me know!
I look forward to seeing you next week where we will be investigating what makes you YOU!!!

Fossils, skulls and pollen!

Science Club kicked off with a flying start under the leadership of Professor Langdon and Doctor Langdon. The group enjoyed looking at skulls, fossils and using a microscope to look at pollen on slides. I was so sorry to miss it; my thanks go to Mrs Walley for stepping in and helping to run the Club. Looking forward to our trip to Noadswood next week for Food Science.