22 June 2010
Families get stuck into science at workshop
Biologists from the University of Sheffield whisked children and adults off on a scientific journey this weekend (Saturday 19 June 2010) through a series of hands-on activities, the challenge of guessing what mysterious scientific images were and the fun of modelling their own bacteria.
A `Creative Science´ family workshop at the Showroom Cinema gave school children and their families the chance to get inspired by the world of science by discovering the mysteries of DNA, the tricks of microbes and the invisible world of cells.
PhD students and academics from the University also shed light on the shapes of proteins and the power of microscopy and families were able to design their own bacteria during the workshop.
Other interactive activities included getting participants to extract DNA from strawberries and to load a protein gel using micropipettes to see how proteins can be separated by electrophoresis, as well as growing bacterial colonies in Petri dishes. Visitors to the workshop were also shown how to use computer software to study the 3D structure of proteins and were given the opportunity to look at plant cells and algae with a microscope.
In the Workstation on Paternoster row, the scientific theme will now continue over the next couple of weeks with an exhibition entitled `Inspired by Science´, a display of poetry, drama and artwork inspired by science and created by pupils from Hunter´s Bar Junior School.
Over the last three years, pupils from the school have been involved in workshops delivered by scientists from the University´s Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, to encourage the budding scientists to tackle the topic from a creative perspective.
The `Inspired by Science´ showcase, which received support from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), features an animation displaying the sculptures, models, sketches and poetry produced by the pupils.
Both the workshop and the exhibition form part of Sheffield Children´s Festival (12 June 2010-3 July 2010), one of the largest and longest running festivals of its kind in the UK. Organised by Sheffield City Council, the Festival offers young people the chance to work with professional artists, develop their creativity, exhibit work, perform in city centre venues, participate in workshops and enjoy performances of dance, theatre and music.
Dr Sandrine Soubes, from the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, who organised both the workshop and exhibition, said: "Bringing science to the local community is a real joy, whether through school science outreach or during family events like the one organised this Saturday.
"On Saturday there was a real buzz in Showroom 5 with over 80 children and their parents discovering lots of various aspects of science. An encounter with science through a creative and playful approach opens the door to young people to science learning and discovery and both the workshop and exhibition demonstrate the importance of this."
For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk
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