海角直播

Christmas rockets, ice cream and gadgets!

Primary and secondary pupils have enjoyed some practical learning at the University of 海角直播 in the run-up to Christmas.

A class of Year 6 (aged 10-11) pupils from Kirklevington Primary School explored the world of practical science. The visit was arranged as part of the Children Challenging Industry (CCI) programme, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Children have a series of lessons from an advisory teacher, where they learn about the positive impact of the chemical industry on everyday life. Activities in the University鈥檚 food and chemistry laboratories included making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, creating small rockets and completing chromatography (the process of separating mixtures such as food dyes into different component parts).

These proved a hit with the pupils. Lily Scott, 10, said: 鈥業t鈥檚 been fun finding out what colours are in things. I鈥檝e never been here before and I鈥檇 like to go to University when I鈥檓 older.鈥�

Lily Frank, also 10, said: 鈥業鈥檝e never used equipment like this before; I鈥檓 trying new things all the time. I鈥檝e enjoyed the day and would also like to go to University when I鈥檓 older.鈥�

Mrs Kathleen Smith, Year 6 teacher said: 鈥業t鈥檚 good for the children to work outside the classroom in such excellent facilities.聽 They were so excited and totally engrossed by the activities.聽 It has been very different to what they do in class and a brilliant opportunity.鈥� And while the primary pupils explored practical science, local teenage girls gained hands-on experience of building computer networks at the University. The pupils took part in a workshop entitled 鈥楪irls and Gadgets鈥�, designed solely for Year 9 (aged 13-14) female pupils to open their eyes to computing technologies. Over 60 girls took part in the workshop run by Alison Brown, a Senior Lecturer from the School of Computing. The girls built computer network from scratch, enabling them to share music and photographs with their friends from five regional schools.

Alison Brown said: 鈥楾he workshop gave the girls the opportunity to come on campus and experience the amazing facilities we have in our labs. We have linked into 鈥楥omputer Club 4 Girls鈥� which is a national initiative run in comprehensive schools with the e-skills council鈥濃��

The girls also listened to a talk about career opportunities in Computing from Nicola Watkins, a user support engineer from North Yorkshire Police.

Ellie Vipond, 14, from St Patrick鈥檚 RC Comprehensive School in Thornaby, said: 鈥楢ll the girls have lots in common. It鈥檚 better not having the boys here.鈥�

Amy Dowson, 13, from Acklam Grange School said: 鈥業 spend a lot of time on my computer at home. I鈥檝e enjoyed the day and sharing computer files with the other girls.鈥�

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