Christmas rockets, ice cream and gadgets!

Primary and secondary pupils have enjoyed some practical learning at the University of Teesside 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’s 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: ‘It’s been fun finding out what colours are in things. I’ve never been here before and I’d like to go to University when I’m older.’

Lily Frank, also 10, said: ‘I’ve never used equipment like this before; I’m trying new things all the time. I’ve enjoyed the day and would also like to go to University when I’m older.’

Mrs Kathleen Smith, Year 6 teacher said: ‘It’s good for the children to work outside the classroom in such excellent facilities.  They were so excited and totally engrossed by the activities.  It has been very different to what they do in class and a brilliant opportunity.’ 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 ‘Girls and Gadgets’, 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: ‘The workshop gave the girls the opportunity to come on campus and experience the amazing facilities we have in our labs. We have linked into ‘Computer Club 4 Girls’ which is a national initiative run in comprehensive schools with the e-skills council”’

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’s RC Comprehensive School in Thornaby, said: ‘All the girls have lots in common. It’s better not having the boys here.’

Amy Dowson, 13, from Acklam Grange School said: ‘I spend a lot of time on my computer at home. I’ve enjoyed the day and sharing computer files with the other girls.’

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