Science Learning Centre for RE-INVENTING THE WHEEL / my favourite experiment Newsletter of the Teacher Scientist Network No. 18 Summer 2004 the East - not East enough! In such a celebratory edition of TSNews we are sorry to report that our consortium bid was unsuccessful in its attempt to bring the East of England SLC centre to Norwich (TSNews No.17). After an extraordinary amount of hard work this was a bitter disappointment to all involved in the bid ews but a quote from DfES softened the blow TSN slightly - we (DfES) recognise the value of the TSN and would not want to lose this from It all began in San Francisco ... TSN in 2004 The centre was awarded to the the Network. A scheme dreamed up by Bruce Alberts (now President of the National Academy of Ten very successful years on, TSN goes University of Hertfordshire and we look Sciences, USA) partnered teachers and scientists in San Francisco to work together in from strength-to-strength providing forward to working with them to ensure I am sure many of us, teachers and scientists, have pet-experiments, demos or ideas that local elementary schools. Keith Roberts saw the scheme and got together with Frank more of what our members ask for - teachers in are well represented work particularly well to demonstrate a given topic. Share them with us! Chennell to start something similar here in the Norfolk. So, after some consultations more partnerships. We now have over in this exciting development for science As requested at the Annual Meeting last year, a section of the newsletter will be dedicated with teachers and scientists, we launched with… 70 partnerships across Norfolk (shown education across the East of England. to these gems. If I am inundated with them - and that depends on YOU - the information on the map across the centre-pages), will also appear on the website. They will remain annonymous if you wish but will Blind Date on the Norwich Research Park (1994) and are always seeking new members. Save British Science In 1997 came MasterClasses (our encourage us all to share good practice. Please keep them brief, but they should include In early summer 1994, a hundred teachers and scientists gathered at the John Innes Save British Science (SBS) were so first, Climate Change), then Primary enough information for the the experiment to be carried out effectively .... for starters Centre to hear Keith Roberts and Frank Chennell explain the scheme. Then the impressed when they heard about TSN Science Workshops (2001) and then teachers and scientists met – for the very first time – their TSN partner. Each person that they intend to send this edition of Boil a red cabbage for 5 minutes in water and you have a natural indicator to test the KitClub. During this year’s National was given a name badge for themselves and a card with the name of their (carefully TSNews to their members in the East for acidity & alkalinity ... also offers artistic potential! Science Week, 29 of our 38 kits were on chosen) partner along with instructions to find their partner. Over some refreshments of England. In a reciprocal arrangement loan, and TSN went on tour. All these they then had to introduce themselves, and make their first date in school. Hence, we enclose a copy of their newsletter. So are described in this bumper edition of New Members - Welcome TSN was launched. who or what are SBS? They are a pressure TSNews, itself in its 18th edition. group, which aims to improve the scientifi c Teachers Some of you reading this Planning is underway for a very special health of the UK. They work to support Mrs. Penny Aspland, Dickleburgh Primary School today were members at the Annual Meeting, in October this year, the research base, science in industry, Mrs. Angela Martland, Oriel High School Mrs. Jane Jordan, Catton Grove Middle School start; thank you for your which we hope will be attended by scientifi c advice in government, and science Miss Lisa Ryans, Thorpe St. Andrew High School both new and existing members. We education. They apply pressure directly This scheme, run by the Royal Society, help and support down the Ms. Catherine Martin, would like to encourage more secondary to Government and industry through offers up to £2500 for teachers and scientists years. Did you realise that Mr. Bernie Vaughn, Acle High School schools to be involved and particularly meetings with key decision-makers and (or engineers) to work together on exciting Mrs. Anne Payne, Heartsease First School some of you have been also provide information and reports for and inspiring projects or activities involving Mr. Jeremy Buniwell, Wymondham High School working together with your to think about using the KitClub, nearly the media, parlimentary committees, and students from 5 to 16 years old. Mrs. Lois Gilbert, Cromer High School partner for 10 years ? This all the kits can be used by all Key Stages other groups active in science policy. For an Projects should give young people Ms. Clare Winter, Peterhouse Middle School is testimony to your desire - help us by talking to colleagues, and organisation of its size, SBS is remarkably Mrs. Lucy Wegmann, Browick Rd. First School to help enhance science telling them about TSN. the opportunity to meet and work with Mr. Mark Ferguson, Mulbarton Middle School education across Norfolk Looking further ahead, the Norwich successful at infl uencing the debate. If you scientists on topics that are exciting, Mrs. Shirley Berry, Tivetshall Primary School - the TSN Mission - and it Research Park is hosting the annual wish to contribute to their research on imaginative and relevant to their lives. Dr. Penny Brading, science education, please send your contact Mrs. Sue Hender, Grimston Junior School can provide a great source BA Festival of Science in September Any UK teacher can apply for a Partnership details to: rosemary@savebritishscience. Mrs. Elizabeth Ainsworth, St. Mary’s Middle School of motivation for more 2006, an opportunity to raise the Grant, and the grant is awarded directly to org.uk Mrs. Rita Chinnery, High School recent members in the ‘early profile of science in the region, and You can fi nd up-to-date information the school involved, enabling the school to Mr. Stuart Wright, Hamonds High School engage and inspire our young people to Mrs.Margaret Muir, Gt. Ellingham Primary School days’ of their partnership. about their work in science education by pay for any specialist equipment needed for No two partnerships will share our passion for science. TSN will the investigation, travel expenses for the Mrs. Denise Carlin, St. George’s First School visiting the ‘Campaigns’ section of the SBS Miss Joanne Thurtle, Peterhouse First School work in the same way, and have a central role in this event which website at www.savebritishscience.org.uk scientist/engineer and/or the school group Ms. Liz Ridge, Litcham High School we are always keen to hear provides an ideal platform to champion of course, should you wish to support SBS and possibly teacher supply cover. Scientists stories of your activities to our success to a national audience and further they offer subscriptions. The next closing date for the scheme is Dr. John Flintham, John Innes Centre share with others. Finally provide events for teachers as well as October 22nd 2004. For more details on Miss. Sarah Oyston, Institute of Food Research our thanks to our Steering their pupils. www.cherrybyte.org the scheme or to request an application Dr. Marilyn Pike, John Innes Centre Group for their guidance TSN is looking forward to another Dr. Mike Butler, John Innes Centre Is a website helping to develop an pack, contact Laura Fenton on 020 7451 Dr. Frank Schwach, Sainsbury Lab, JIC over the years, and for 10 years, and we would also like to take understanding and appreciation of 2561 or email [email protected] Dr. Keith Weston, ENV, UEA being our eyes and ears this opportunity to thank our sponsors, agricultural and biological science. It into the education world. the Gatsby Charitable Trust for all their uses everyday language to explain to the ates for your diary .... There was no Graham for a quick reminder at this Blind Date support over the years. public the purpose, value and application D * 5th OctOct - TSNTSN Annual Mtg inc.inc. bonanza glasswareglassware giveawaygiveaway of the research funded by the consortium * 12th Oct - Biorad Biotechnology INSET / JIC partners, which includes the JIC - see * 24th Oct - Partnership Grant deadline (Royal Society) enclosed fl yer. Teacher Scientist Network 10th Anniversary Edition Coordinator: Dr. Phil Smith Chairman: Prof. Keith Roberts John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UH Telephone +44(0)1603 450304, Fax +44(0)1603 450015, Email [email protected], www.tsn.org.uk 8 1994 - 2004 Plants are fun! From Seed to Sandwich: where does our food come from? Dr Fiona Corke (JIC) and Mrs Marian Dr Phil Smith (JIC) and Mrs Maxine Woods (Hockley Primary) MASTERCLASS 10 - Primary Watt (Hethersett Middle) As a plant scientist at JIC and keen For 2 days the sun shone and the Play Barn at Marsh Farm Country Park became our Science gardener at home, plants seemed an ideal classroom and prep area. We worked with 5 groups of up to 60 Yr5/6 pupils on each day topic for us to cover with three Yr5 classes. and the 30 min activity was followed by a 15 minute turnaround in readiness for the next The session was very much hands-on and group! During this time we worked our way through 400 baby-wipes and 400 paper- The Science behind Agriculture Workshops incorporated a number of TSN kits and plates, cut 300 lengths of cotton twine, gave out 200 cotton reels and 200 syringe barrels some unusual specimens. The children were and found a use for 70 cricket bat handles as combine harvesters! We spent our evenings The New Year got underway in great The talks were presented by a high- fascinated by the collection of activities, over beer and pots of whelks reviewing the days activities - describing some of our young style with TSN organising its 10th one-day calibre set of speakers - Prof. Martin and here’s what we did .. charges as ‘lively’ and ‘challenging.’ Before bed there was just time to watch a rerun of MasterClass for high school teachers on Wolfe, research director of Elm Farm Fawlty Towers whilst cutting-out cardboard propellers which varied in shape from neat February 9th looking at the Science behind Trust who has 28 years research experience crosses through to symbols from Nazi-Germany. It was a brilliant few days, a tremendous Agriculture. For the fi rst time we invited and now farms organically at Wakelyns buzz, exhilarating and exhausting all in one go and a unique opportunity to work as a middle schools to the event (as requested Agroforestry in Suffolk; Prof. Phil Russell, partnership with a variety of pupils - more details at www.tsn.org.uk/news. at the Annual Meeting) and a total of 22 an independent plant pathology consultant Funding for this project was given by BBSRC (School & Community Award) and a teachers from 13 schools attended the who worked previously for many of the Royal Society Partnership Grant. TSN partners may be interested in applying to either event which was generously hosted by the agrochemical giants such as Schering and organisation to fund a future project, further details on back page. Institute of Food Research (IFR). AgrEvo; Mr Ian Foot, an experienced The morning’s talks covered a diverse plant breeder based at Nickersons (UK) range of topics from organic agriculture, Ltd in Bury St Edmunds, who has spent its mechanisms and effects upon wildlife, many years concentrating upon the factors contrasting with the story of the route to controlling grain yield and bread-making the market-place taken by a new molecule quality in wheat; Sir Ben Gill, an activeactive shown to have insecticidal, herbicidal or member of the goverment’s research fungicidal activity. Then followed talks councils and a working Yorkshire farmer, County Wide about the properties of wheat proteins used recently knighted for his services to in bread-making and the impact of research agriculture, conservation and community, Coverage and New on day-to-day farming from the perspective speaking during his last 10 days as president of both arable & livestock agriculture. of the National Farmers Union. Ideas Planning has begun for a new series of Primary Science Workshops (PSW). In Food for Dinosaurs looked at and asked response to your requests, the topics being the pupils to draw giant horsetails, gingko considered are Electricity and Materials and sporulating fern – fossil evidence shows which will link to the new kits in the that horsetails are the same species eaten by KitClub (see p3). Further information will the dinosaurs. Available in Hethersett, they be sent-out nearer the time. are 4-5ft tall – see above picture! The earlier workshop - Forces & Micro- Carniverous Plants use a variety of PupilsPupils fromfrom HockleyHockley PrimaryPrimary preparingpreparing mini dough-balls and thrthreshingeshing seed fromfrom organisms - has fi nally been taken out to different methods to trap insects – sticky ears of wheat & barley, discovering where their food comes from .. the East and the West of the county with leaves (sundews & butterworts), moving workshops in Lowestoft (July 2003) and traps (Venus fl ytraps) and tube traps TSN Annual Meeting 2003 King’s Lynn (September 2003). (pitcher plants)- all fascinating subjects for Such was the positive response in the children to look at and touch. How likely was life to arise on Earth? - a talk by Prof. Andy Watson (UEA) Lowestoft we were invited to Edgar Sewter The ‘sensitive Mimosa’ in which the Primary School, Halesworth, on a Staff Last October, TSN hosted its Annual Training day to run the workshop for leaves droop when touched to avoid being Meeting at which new & existing members eaten, grows well from seed and effectively their staff and those from their local cluster had the opportunity to meet one another, schools. Is this something your school demonstrates a ‘moving plant’. swap stories over a glass of wine, claim Using microscopes, the children looked would be interested in hosting? WeWe feel quantities of surplus lab equipment Claire Pearson, , investigating the elasticity & extensibility of fl our at male and female pumpkin fl owers and it offers great potential for reaching an and consider the evidence for life on even larger audience and ensuring all found pollen beetles moving around in It was fascinating to hear contrasting Mars. Taking the Earth as a model for primary staff are ‘singing from the same them and also looked at some aphids, a views from our speakers about some of these the Universe, a strategy that potentially song-sheet’. common plant pest that feeds on plant sap. modern scientifi c issues. Our next challenge introduces bias, Andy showed that simple Quotes from teachers on PSW’s 4 & 5... The fi nal activity used a TSN poster that life (bacteria) were relatively common, that was to create some related practical activities “A thoroughly enjoyable day - loads of ideas combines very high magnifi cation scanning complex life is rare, and alien-life even rarer. for the afternoon. We resisted the temptation for class. Looking forward to the next course. electron micrographs with colour photos Mars, therefore, which once had water at its to organise a milking demonstration and the One of the best courses I’ve attended” of plant parts. This allowed us to run a surface may well have possessed a primitive teachers used dough-washing to look at the quiz in which the children match the plant biosphere but we are probably alone in amount and properties of the major bread- “Every primary teacher should get the chance micrographs to the photograph of the plant the Universe. Safe in this knowledge the making proteins (gluten) in different fl our to go on it, many misconceptions are cleared- parts. refreshments were fi nished and our audience samples. Additionally, microscope work was The MasterClass team (L>R), Phil Smith up.” PLEASE SEND US STORIES of approximately 70 people dispersed. used to study some common plant diseases (TSN), Martin Wolfe, Ben Gill, Phil “I feel encouragd to go back to school & teach Andy and Keith discussing life, the OF YOUR SESSIONS, Plans are already underway for this year’s - both their symptoms and the diversity in Russell, Ian Foot, Dave Hart (TSN / IFR). areas that have always worried me before thth Universe and everything! PREFERABLY WITH PHOTOS! celebration - October 5 aatt tthehe UUEAEA. structure of some of the causal agents. pictured outside the IFR today.” 2 7 TSN-on-Tour and National Science Week 2004 To celebrate this year’s National Science Week, TSN joined forces with the member organisations of the Norwich Research Park to help host the DNA in the Garden (DNAitG) exhibit at the Forum in Norwich from the 10th - 22nd March. Family-friendly science activities ran on each Saturday, themed ‘Garden Science’ (13th) and Mothering Sunday Science (20th) and were planned jointly together with the BBSRC School & Community Links offi cer, Chantelle Jay (LH column). Chantelle then joined Phil on Tour, as TSN ventured out to some of our more rural schools with activities related to DNAitG for KS3. Pupils formed a ‘model cell’ involving all 30 pupils and drew comparisons between the organisation of a cell and their city, in a dramatisation of Norwich Cell City. Later, pupils extracted their own DNA from their cheek cells and had the opportunity to wear it around their neck in a necklace.

Schools visited ‘on the Tour’ shown with stars, distribution this requires energy of schools with active partne rships shown with yellow dots.

new products are formed inside the cell

a cell membrane forms around the outside of the cell Pupils from N.Elmham trial the card idea STALHAM MS

Litcham HS THORPE HAMLET MS

A cell contains liquid cytoplasm in which all the structures are bathed The interactive sunfl ower gets a talkin’ to ..

Old Buckenham HS

the cell membrane contains BUNGAY HS DNA from an onion - honest! tiny channels called pores / gates

eventually the cell dies, all the structures collapse

From cheek cell to pendant - raw materials enter, toxins kept out A microscopic world is revealed DNA discovery!

4 5 DNA 50 celebrations for all BEYOND lease remember to return kits roblems have arisen recently in good order and on the day where kits are due out and have th P P With the lack of local events to celebrate the 50 anniversary of the discovery agreed (usually Thursday / Friday). KITCLUB not been returned in time. We try of DNA, TSN organised a Biotechnology INSET session for teachers and acted CURIE If you want to extend the borrowing to be as flexible as possible but as local organisers for the Genetic Futures event hosted later in the year ...... period you need to phone first to sometimes there is very little leeway Gene Talk, Gene Play confirm that this is possible (01603 LATEST on kit turnaround... please help us, Pipetting, PCRing 450619). to help you. & & Fingerprinting Gene Dreams New Additions £10K of Molecular Biology hardware - Kits and resources abound, everyone is Should we allow genetically modified talking about Biotechnology and great ways (GM) plants to be used to help clean-up the New kits since September 2003 - now available to create relevant practicals in science, but environment ? unless you’ve tried the practical yourself Do you think it is right to bring a child into 1. General forces (duplicate); are you going to embark upon it with it 24 the world to save another life ? 2. Healthy Eating kit (duplicate). Year 11’s? This was the motivation behind a These were just two of the questions 3. Electricity; 4. Plant movement; joint INSET day, organised by TSN, hosted debated by KS4 pupils who attended 5. Biotechnology Hardware by UEA’s School of Education and run by the Genetic Futures event at the JIC in 6. Two extra magnification kits; Charles Hill from .. October 2003. The debate looked at the The day began with a micro-pipetting ethical and legal implications as well as the The new microscopes are proving very exercise - all the techniques that would follow science behind such issues with the help Illustrated are 3 women scientsits: clockwise popular. They were subsidised by a grant involved the accurate use of these pippettes. of TSN scientists, Wendy Harwood & Judith Irwin (from 12 o’clock) UEA ecologist Dr. Isabelle from the Royal Microscopical Society Teachers then cut/digested a circular piece and Cambridge bioethicists Côté, Dr. Helen Mason, a solar physicist from (RMS) - details below. Microscopes We now have available a PCR machine, 8 gel tanks, 2 power packs and 20 pipettes Claudia Downing & Susan University of Cambridge and Dr. Catherine can complement many topics, remember which are essential elements for running molecular biology practical sessions. These Wallace. The day was part of Merry, a cancer biochemist from the Paterson you can book-out more than one kit at items are just part of the resource that TSN has agreed to borrow from the School of a national programme that Institute, (University of Manchester). All any one time. Thank you RMS. Education, UEA, thus enabling more teachers to access them. The kit was originally visited 8 locations throughout three generously gave their time to talk both supplied to EDU by Biorad at a cost of £10,000 and Caroline Still (EDU) has agreed the UK. TSN were the hosts about their science and their experiences as a long-term loan to the KitClub. Thanks to Biorad and Caroline! and local organisers for the women in 21st century science. Additionally, “A wonderful resource - what a range of We hope to develop a simple set of resources to complement this equipment, East of England event. we invited Marie-Noëlle Barton from the items” (healthy eating) feedback always welcome. Biorad are offering an introductory gene technoloogy CPD A total of 100 pupils (10 Women Into Science & Engineering (WISE) day at JIC on 22nd June, for further details see www.explorer.bio-rad.com pupils from 10 different campaign to speak briefly about potential schools) across Norfolk careers in Engineering before chairing a panel debate. Approximately 150 pupils from 7 high of plasmid DNA, using restriction enzymes & Suffolk attended this Full list of kits at www.tsn.org.uk , under Support schools attended the event. The panel were and ran the products of this digestion on an prestigous event which was quizzed by the pupils about problems they agarose gel which separates the fragments coordinated by the School had faced throughout their careers, gender- Microscope Grant Summer in Bungay acccording to size. While enzymes incubated of Education at Sheffield “stunning views of the Moon, Jupiter and Hallam University (SHU). In related or otherwise, and their inspirations for and gels ran, there was an opportunity for The Royal Microscopical Society Who says all children want mobiles moons of Saturn” (telescope) a busy day, the pupils then extracted DNA pursuing science as a career. Local scientists questions and the demonstration of the has grants available to help schools - not in Bungay Library! from their cheek cells and proceded to wear Dr. Tracy Palmer, Ruth MacCormack (JIC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This purchase their own microscopes. 51%. it around their necks. Next, they attended a and Emma Shore (UEA) also contributed to Bungay Library has played host technique underpins the vast majority of And again in 2003 when we press conference briefing in which they were the debate ensuring all spheres of science, at to items from the KitClub techniques in modern molecular biology and The grants are for £20 per microscope. borrowed the Sound Kit - the challenged to produce a newspaper story all levels from undergraduate to project leader over the last two summers, involves the amplification of large amounts For further details email [email protected] spy listening devices and tin about fictional science in 2053. And finally were addressed. The talks complemented an and will be again this year. of specific DNA fragments from extremely can telephones proving they explored the possibiities of cloning a exhibit of famous women scientists since Library manager Andrew small amounts of starting material. The The RMS also has an excellent website a big hit - we again Woolly Mammoth or using gene therapy to 1750 and our young panel ensured the pupils Milner explains why. hardware for these techniques is now part http://www.rms.org.uk had over 100 children improve sporting performance. were able to see for themselves that today, “I knew of the work of the TSN KitClub; further evidence of many women are engaged in cutting-edge of TSN and had been participating despite the the stronger links between EDU and TSN Dream Trip science - a situation that was not so common looking for a way to hottest summer in years. (these are described on p3). in the days of Marie Curie. boost the Summer I was delighted to invite Following-on from Genetic Futures Reading Game that Sheila & Phil along in Norwich, pupils from two schools in most libraries run to to the presentation of our region were chosen by SHU to join encourage children certifcates & medals a National gathering at the Royal Society to keep reading while for those children who bringing together schools from across schools are closed. In 2002 succesfully completed the the country. Pupils from Lynn Grove our numbers joining the game.” And we were delighted (pictured right) and Flegg High Schools game were up by 27% with the to attend, it’s great that the kits proudly flew the East of England banner number of children finishing up by don’t gather dust over the summer. at a rare oppotunity to visit the world’s oldest scientific academy (founded 1660) “I used this (magnification) kit Wanted and meet some of today’s most eminent extensively for my wildlife club and “Made the topic come to life” Golden syrup & treacle tins to make more scientific personalities including Lord during a science lesson - it’s fantastic! “ string telephones! All donations gratefully Robert Winston. (friction & forcces) Lynn Grove’s presentation at the Royal Society received before our teeth fall out. 6 3