A lab-solutely awesome experience at Science Creates
Written by Talulah Allison, a work experience student at Bristol WORKS
In June, students on the Future Ready programme from Kings Oak Academy enjoyed a valuable visit to Science Creates. The visit helped the learners understand more about careers in science and explored some of the skills required in the field through practical activities.
The day began with an introduction about familiar scientists, and what science creates is all about. The learners had great questions which showed how engaged they were to learn and find out more. For many of the students this was very eye opening for their options and what they are going to do in the future since they will be selecting their GCSEs next year. This opportunity also showed a wide range of jobs not just one specific job since there are many different jobs within the science industry.
Next, we moved onto the first practical which involved creating a substance then measuring how much glucose was in the liquid after. The students found this fun since they were able to do it themselves while being supported. Ben at Science Creates is a great presenter, which made the information more enjoyable and easier to understand.
The next activity was about what batteries and how they work. This was interesting because batteries are used in our everyday lives when we don’t even think about it, so it was good for the students to find out more about this. The practical involved using ice cubes trays full of salt water and connecting them with copper and aluminium wires to make an LED light up.
Finally in the afternoon we split into 2 groups. One group went to go on a tour of the labs whilst one stayed to listen and ask questions to the amazing volunteers from different science businesses that came in to talk to the students about what they do and how they got to where they are today. This was extremely good for the students to know the steps they can take to get the job, but they can also see if the jobs for them or not.
“This was a good lesson, please make more” and “I really liked it!” were just a couple of the feedback we received from students and teachers about how much they enjoyed they experience.
Then they got asked what they found most enjoyable and interesting, on said “Doing the tour and the glucose experiment” and another said “Everything!”
We’d like to say a big thank you to Ben at Science Creates for running the session and also to the volunteers who took time out of their day to visit us and answer our questions. Also, a big thank your to the teachers and learners for making the trip happen and being so engaged on the day.
Bristol WORKS’ Future Ready programme gives under-served school students from 15 schools across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucester and BANES, experiences of different organisations and career paths. We will be working with students for 3 years (from year 8 to year 10) to get them 10 days of meaningful experiences of work by the end of the programme. Future Ready is funded by The Careers and Enterprise Company and delivered in partnership with West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
