Scientists and teachers unite to bring cutting-edge science to Lynn Grove High School

January 9, 2012 2 Comments

Lynn Grove High School in Gorleston, Norfolk, has been chosen by The Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, to receive a Partnership Grant that will enable local scientists to work with teachers from the school to implement an innovative science project.

The project, called “E.coli on the move,” aims to investigate the distribution of E.coli and other coliform bacteria within a school. The data collected by the pupils through environmental sampling and aseptic technique will be used as an evidence base to educate pupils about the transmission of microbes and about methods of control.

Lynn Grove High School pupils

Pupils from year 7 to year 11, aged between 11 years and 16 years, will take on the challenge of learning and using environmental sampling, microbiology and molecular biology techniques. The use and understanding of these techniques will allow pupils to look into an unseen world. The project offers young people the chance to meet and work with local scientists from The John Innes Centre in Norwich and allows them to build and develop their scientific understanding in a way that is exciting, original and relevant to their lives.

Professor John Pethica FRS, Vice-President of the Royal Society, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting E.coli on the move at Lynn Grove High School and are looking forward to seeing this imaginative project come to life over the coming months.

“Science and engineering are exhilarating and dynamic subjects and we hope that by giving teachers the opportunity to introduce innovative science that we can help show young people how much fun in real-life these subjects can be, and inspire them to become the inventors, explorers and innovators of the future.”

 

Lynn Grove High School pupils visiting JIC

Dr Paul Nicholson, group leader at The John Innes Centre in Norwich, will be working in partnership with Sarah Calne of Lynn Grove High School during the next year.This project grew out of an ongoing partnership with the Teacher Scientist Network based at the JIC and led by Dr Phil Smith.

Talking about why he has become involved in the scheme, Dr Nicholson said: “Our project will bring to life what pupils learn about in the classroom and help them to understand the impact of science and engineering upon their day-to-day activities. Making these subjects relevant is how we demonstrate how vital they are to our lives.”

Teachers, scientists, engineers and industry partners interested in applying for a Partnership Grant should visit www.royalsociety.org/education.


For further information, please contact the Royal Society Press Office

Alice Henchley on 020 7451 2514 or alice.henchley@royalsociety.org

JIC Press Office:

Zoe Dunford, zoe.dunford@nbi.ac.uk, 01603 255111

Andrew Chapple, andrew.chapple@nbi.ac.uk, 01603 251490

 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. www.royalsociety.org
  • The Royal Society provides strategic and independent advice to the Government, its agencies and key opinion-formers, with the aim of improving science and mathematics education in schools and colleges across the UK. Our key goals are to ensure that we have a science literate public and to inspire as many young people as possible to study science and mathematics post-16.
  • The Partnership Grants scheme offers up to £3000 of funding for schools who, through working in partnership with scientists or engineers, develop and deliver exciting and creative projects to engage young people with science. They allow teachers to increase their scientific knowledge and give scientists and engineers the opportunity to develop their communication skills, and engage with enquiring young minds. Most importantly, these projects give school students a taste of science and engineering today, and their relevance for society.
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2 Responses to “Scientists and teachers unite to bring cutting-edge science to Lynn Grove High School”

  1. Walter Holland Reply January 12, 2012 at 11:53 am

    G’Day! News,
    Maybe a little off topic, however, In this question I want to know what are the main resources of the social respect in a community. For example, why teachers have much less social respect than businessmen or scientists in the United States? I would be so glad if I obtain some backlinks to read through extra about this subject.
    Wishes

  2. Communications Team Reply January 12, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    Walter,
    Sorry, this question is totally beyond our own expertise. From searching the web, it appears Harris International regularly poll in the US on this subject, as reported here and elsewhere: http://www.forbes.com/2006/07/28/leadership-careers-jobs-cx_tvr_0728admired.html
    This may provide some information on which you can start your enquiries