Children explore the hidden secrets of plants
Posted on 19 June 2009
Children at St Aelred’s RC Primary School, in Tang Hall, are finding out what plants are made of, how they work and what they do for us with the guidance of leading scientists from the University’s Centre for Novel Agricultural Products.
We hope that showing children at a young age how fascinating it is to explore the world around them will be the start of a long term interest in science
Professor Dianna Bowles
The Year 6 pupils will have the chance to dissect plants, extract DNA, design and conduct their own experiments and take part in a plant-growing challenge.
Professor Dianna Bowles, from the Centre, said: “We hope that showing children at a young age how fascinating it is to explore the world around them will be the start of a long term interest in science.”
The “Plant Explorers” project is supported by a grant from the Royal Society which has also funded the purchase of 15 microscopes for the school.
During the project, the children will visit the University’s biology teaching laboratories to carry out an experiment, as well as having the opportunity to see how scientists go about their research. They will also learn about the Centre’s pioneering work in areas such as improving the yield of the plant that provides an important drug used to combat malaria.
David Houghton, headteacher at St Aelred’s, said: “The children are really enjoying the work they are doing with the University which is adding an exciting extra dimension to their science lessons and demonstrating how we all benefit from scientific discovery.”
The project will be repeated in the autumn with another group of Year 6 children from the school.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) is an academic research centre which specialises in gene discovery for plant and microbial-based applications using biology to benefit society and to provide a sustainable future. More information at http://www.cnap.org.uk/
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