YOUNGSTERS from Tardebigge First School have been ‘going bananas’ for science with help from the University of Birmingham.
Having previously visited the university and out experiments there, year four science leaders assisted the uni’s scientists as they worked with every class in the school.
Activities were organised during British Science Week by Dr Ruth Patchett, communications, outreach and impact officer for the university’s School of Chemistry.
She said it was a joy to work with the school’s pupils and the university’s staff were thrilled to be working with primary schools.
Years three and four extracted DNA from bananas with PHD student Lucy Arkinstall.
Reception and years one and two made seaweed slime with PHD student Jon Husband.
Mr Husband said he hoped the pupils were inspired by doing some ‘real science with scientists’.
Kelly Horton, Tardebigge’s science leader, added the link was key to help children understand and aspire to be scientists.
“The support we have had from the University of Birmingham has been excellent and they have helped to launch British Science Week in an exciting and engaging way.”
Year four pupil Kartar said: “We did the banana DNA experiment and I loved doing everything, especially mashing the banana.”
Meanwhile, Hollie, a year three pupil added: “I have learnt that DNA can be inside any living things, even fruit.”
Throughout British Science Week Tardebigge First School children explored hover boards, took a trip to the Big Bang Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, held a ‘science at home’ event for families, researched scientists and conducted even more fun experiments.
