Activities for Schools

DNA and PCR workshop

This day long workshop aimed at KS5 directly addresses the curriculum target of practical use of PCR.  We introduce students to one of the most notable technical discoveries in molecular biology, namely the ability to produce measurable amounts of specific DNA regions from even single DNA molecules as starting material. Contact Dave Hulse (d.r.hulse@keele.ac.uk).

school visit Bones!

For an archaeologist or a forensic scientist, bones can be one of the most informative finds on a dig or at a crime scene.  This one hour workshop will look at what sort of things bones, particularly skulls, can tell us about the animal or person they belonged to.  Participants will have the opportunity to examine for themselves a variety of bones and to deduce facts about their possible origins!  Contact Jan Hoole.

Eutrophication

Enrichment of water bodies with dissolved nutrients can dramatically upset the delicate aquatic ecosystem.  Learn about the sources of these dissolved nutrients, use testing equipment to monitor their concentrations in water samples.  Discover how animal and plant communities are affected by eutrophication and how this damaging process can be managed.  2 hour workshop. Contact Dave Hulse (d.r.hulse@keele.ac.uk).

Did fire kill Bambi?

Forest fires are becoming more common around the world and seemingly more devastating.  Just how many plants and animals such as deer are killed by a fire?  How can trees and animals possibly survive a raging forest fire?  Explore these questions and more with the use of hands-on samples to determine how hot flames are and the adaptations organisms have to prevent being cooked.  Suitable for KS 4 and 5.  Contact Dr Peter Thomas.

Electron Microscopy Unit

We allow school visits by special arrangement. If you are interested in showing your pupils an Electron Microscope Unit in action, please arrange a visit with our technician, Karen Walker (k.walker@keele.ac.uk). We can show you working SEM and TEM and also the preparation techniques involved. This is particularly useful to AS and A2 level students.

electron microscope View your own sample! If you want to bring a sample to view and take pictures of it away with you, please first consult Karen and she will explain what types of sample to bring and how to prepare them.

Microscopy lecture/demonstrations. If you want a lecture on the role of microscopes in research and/or how they work as part of your school visit to us, please contact Dr Dave Furness. A presentation on microscopy could also be made at your school!

Nuffield Bursary placement

The Opportunity is available for a 4-week research placement over the summer for students in their first year of a post-16 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) course.  These are eligible to apply for a bursary from Nuffield Foundation. The hosting tutor, Dr Srabasti Chakravorty, will determine suitability of the student through an informal interview.  The student will then receive guidance on the application process to secure the Nuffield bursary.  Previously, students have successfully completed Nuffield Bursary funded projects in 2011 and 2012.  One student placement is available each year with Dr Chakravorty but other tutors may be available.

Observation Beehive

Bee hive There is an observation beehive in the school of Life Sciences that can be viewed by small groups at a time.  A small colony of bees can be viewed safely from behind glass indoors while the bees are free to come and go through a hole in the wall.  From about May to August it is usually possible to see a queen bee, worker bees, drone bees, waggle dances, developing brood, stored pollen and honey.  Please check that it is in operation before visiting.  Contact William Kirk.