17 June 2010
Youngsters try their hand at slimy science experiments
Budding scientists from across the region visited the University of Sheffield yesterday (16 June 2010) to get stuck in to a variety of hands-on science experiments.
Over 80 Year 9 students from across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire attended the activity day which was part of the Sheffield Outreach and Access to Medicine Scheme (SOAMS). During the day the pupils attended Chemistry and Microbiology workshops, which aimed to spark their interest in science and give them the opportunity to participate in experiments they wouldn´t get a chance to do at school.
During the Chemistry workshop the SOAMS students created brightly coloured polymer slime. This demonstrated the idea of joining small molecules together to form long chain polymers and highlight some of the uses of these materials in man-made products such as polyester. They also learned to use the process of electroplating to make personalised key fobs to take home with them. Electroplating is an electrochemical reaction used to put a fine metallic coating on an object.
During the Microbiology workshop, participants explored the different characteristics of microbes and how they can be both beneficial to us and can also be bad for our health. The aim of the workshop was to demonstrate that the world around us is full of organisms which affect every aspect of life on earth. The children looked under the microscope at different examples of microbes, including the E.coli bacteria.
The SOAMS scheme, which is run by the University´s Outreach and Access section aims to make a career in medicine a real possibility for local Year 9-13 students from all backgrounds, by offering support and guidance through an activity-packed programme over five years. These activity days are designed to generate an interest in science and inspire the students to raise their aspirations to study the subject.
Amy Horton, Outreach Officer at the University of Sheffield, said: "The youngsters have really enjoyed the experiments today and getting a taste of life at University. It´s great to see so many pupils from a variety of backgrounds, being inspired to study science and medicine at Higher Education level."
Pupil Cory Bailey, aged 14, from Minsthorpe Community College, said: "I´ve always been interested in this field and it would be my dream to have a career in science. As a result, the workshop has been an interesting experience and a great opportunity for me to try some new things."
Heather Hanson, aged 13, a pupil from Portland School, commented: "I think the activities we´ve done have been good fun and really interesting. I really enjoyed making the key fob and I think this has really sparked an interest in science for me."
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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