‘Science isn’t seen as being very cool, but it’s really fun!’
By: News Archive
In recognition of British Science Week, young people are hoping to inspire a love of science and change perceptions of the discipline among their peers.
Two students from Hellesdon High School have been conducting experiments in their lunch breaks throughout the week for younger pupils, encouraging them to ask questions about what they’ve seen.
The year 10 pupils are part of the Norfolk Scholars Programme, which is jointly run by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Villiers Park Educational Trust to equip high-achieving students from a less advantaged backgrounds with the skills and confidence they need to apply to university or become leaders of the future.
They both have an interest in science and organising the events is a chance for them to develop skills they’ve learnt from being part of the programme.
Their experiments demonstrated scientific principles and were deliberately visually intriguing, including flame tests and tests for elements such as oxygen and hydrogen.
The students hope to continue with the experiments every week and hope to establish a science club.
British Science Week, which runs between 9-18 March, is organised by the British Science Association and is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Norfolk Scholar Millie Blyth from Hellesdon High School, said: “Science isn’t seen as being very cool, but it’s really fun! I think it’s really important to get more children involved with science as science is shaping our future.”
Spencer Bolton, added: “I feel really happy about inspiring younger children through science because the more young people we can inspire, the more qualified scientists we might have in the future, and to be part of that is quite exciting.”
Laura Anderson, Outreach Programmes Officer at UEA, said: “We are delighted that our Scholars have embraced this fantastic opportunity to organise and run some fun scientific experiments as part of British Science Week with younger pupils at their school.
“The experiments will count towards the Villiers Park INVOLVE award which the Scholars will receive at the end of the year as part of the Norfolk Scholars Programme.”
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