Acids, bases and DNA
A group of ambitious Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in a science day as part of an introduction to the Nova Catalyst STEM Stream.
The first session was in the chemistry laboratory, where Miss Griffiths and Dr Spreadbury demonstrated how acids and bases react with one another, before giving them the opportunity to experiment with the chemicals. Working in small groups, they looked at different chemical indicators and were challenged to see how accurately they could neutralise a solution. They were amazed and impressed to see the chemicals changing colour as they worked through the instructions.
Later in the biology lab, Miss Dominy explained what DNA is and demonstrated how it can be extracted and used to solve crimes. The pupils then did a practical experiment to extract DNA from a strawberry. At the end of the session, they spent some time thinking about their own DNA and used the four bases as a guide to make a personalised keyring that represented their own genetic makeup.
All the teachers were really impressed at how well the pupils followed instructions in the science labs and worked together on their experiments. They all had fun and enjoyed mixing chemicals and learning about DNA.
Catalyst STEM Stream offers a unique learning provision for talented scholars to innovate, explore and excel in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It provides an intensive curriculum for talented students who have a strong interest in the STEM subjects and want to study it in more detail. For more information visit www.novahreodacademy.org.uk/catalyst-stream
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