Communicating and celebrating the wonders of science in our world today were at the heart of Sydenham High School’s celebration of British Science Week (16-20 March). Girls from across the whole school went on an exciting five day journey of discovery – from exploring what it takes to make the ultimate cup of coffee to identifying SydBeast (a mystery animal skeleton).
The week started with a stimulating assembly to highlight some of the WOW factors in science at the moment, including recent controversy over #thedress and the solar eclipse.
Practical lessons included dissections, trying out different coffee-making techniques for that ultimate cuppa and Year of Light demonstrations from lasers to eyes on National Demo Day.
King’s College London neuroscientist, Dr Ellie Dommett, led a challenging discussion on the ethical issues surrounding the use of smart drugs in society, while Head of Biology Dr Elly Waites gave a presentation to SydSci club on her research into Cancer and Genetics and gave an insight into related career paths.
Up in the school’s dedicated cookery suite, students investigated the science behind top chefs’ culinary tips, such as how to cook the best steak, create great chocolate or poach the perfect egg.
Year 9 Science Challenge students put their Lego Midstorms EV3 colour sorting robot through its paces, having spent five weeks building, coding and conducting test runs. The project has allowed students to combine robotics and coding skills into an end product that completes a particular task – sorting small coloured blocks into separate pots.
A group of Year 12 students also attended the Engineer Your Future Career Awareness Day to meet representatives from engineering companies and other like-minded students, and gain greater understanding of engineering careers.
Sadly it was too cloudy for the girls to view the solar eclipse in the skies above Sydenham and they had to make do with a live TV feed to a giant screen in the school’s Longton Hall.
Activities culminated in a huge Science Fair, organised and run by members of Year 8 and attended by girls from Years 4 – 6. Year 8 had to come up with their own idea for each stall to communicate and explain an aspect of science to this young audience. The would-be science teachers definitely rose to the challenge, covering everything from testing forces and the properties of elements to finding out the mass of objects, blending perfumes and identifying what makes a good diet.
