Sixth Formers Take the Lead at Science Fair

To mark the start of National Science and Engineering week 2011, we invited year 5 and 6 pupils from 20 primary and prep schools around the borough to a Primary Science Fair on  Friday 11 March.

The children were treated to a busy morning crammed full of a whole variety of scientific activities led by our  Lower Sixth Scientists from Bancroft’s.  The Sixth Formers ran a series of stalls, most of which had a strong “hands-on” component.  Some of these stalls looked at “Communication through Taste”, “Solving the Energy Crisis”   and the role played by Pheromones.  The visitors also got a chance to venture into the school’s labs to take part in biology, physics and chemistry activities.  Among the undoubted highlights of the day  were the chemistry demonstrations by Mr Goalby, which produced screams of excitement from the children as he created a variety of smells, noises and other chemical reactions.

Accompanying teachers were enthusiastic in their praise for the day, Andrea Zenios of Roding Primary commented , “The children had a wonderful time and they learnt a lot. We will be doing our own mini fair based on some of the activities that the children did today, so you have inspired us all!”  while Sue Johnson, the Assistant Head of Oaklands School, said, “My Year 5 girls and their teachers thoroughly enjoyed the morning.  We look forward to coming next year!”

Many thanks to all the L6 scientists who put together a fantastic variety of displays and to the members of the U4 who acted as guides.  The winners of the L6 competition were: Meenakshi Balasirishwaran, Robert Jaworzyn, Sandip Samanta and Luke Williams for “Communication through Taste”.

Meanwhile, 32 members of the U4 spent a day at the Big Bang, the UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair   at the Excel Centre, London.  This annual event is part of National Science and Engineering Week and is the UK’s biggest single celebration of science and engineering for young people, aiming to celebrate science and inspire young people. One of the exhibitors at the Big Bang was Old Bancroftian Saranja Sivachelvam who is currently on a gap year before taking up her place at Oxford University in September; Saranja was awarded the Senior Chemistry Prize at the Fair.