York pupils sample the art of microscopy
Posted on 1 July 2005
Holly Cook, a Science teacher at Canon Lee School, was awarded £1,600 by the Royal Society to set up the project which allows 13 and 14-year-old pupils to use some of the University of York's most advanced imaging equipment.
The aim is to demonstrate to young people how scientific images can be both factual and artistically stimulating. The 27 pupils will learn advanced microscopy and histology techniques in a half-day session in the Technology Facility in the University's Department of Biology on Tuesday 5 July 2005.
This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to experience what it is like being a real scientist
Holly Cook
They will then use the techniques they have learned to produce digital images of cells and tissues which will be presented in an art exhibition for parents, staff and pupils at Canon Lee and nearby primary schools. Each of the pupils' images will be supported by scientific facts and they will discuss their work with visitors at the exhibition at the school on Friday 8 July 2005.
Canon Lee was one of only 30 schools across the UK to win a Royal Society award under its Department for Education and Skills-supported Partnership Grants Scheme. Canon Lee's Science Department will later use the microscope and digital camera purchased with the grant for teaching all year groups at the school about cells and microbes. Science teacher Holly Cook said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to experience what it is like being a real scientist. They are really excited by the idea of looking down microscopes and seeing things that very few people ever get to see. I am sure that the whole experience will inspire pupils and they will produce some great pieces of scientific artwork." The Outreach Co-ordinator for the University's Department of Biology, Dr Adrian Harrison, said: "It is our aim that all pupils involved in this project will have an unforgettable experience of microscopy to stimulate their learning and, hopefully, to inspire them to consider future careers in science."
The President of the Royal Society, Lord May, an honorary graduate of the University of York, congratulated Canon Lee on securing the grant. He said: "This is an exciting project that will give pupils the chance to work alongside a professional scientist. I hope this experience will inspire more schoolchildren to pursue a career in science and engineering."
Notes to editors:
- Canon Lee School, in Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton, is an 11-16 secondary school with 970 pupils. It received specialist arts status earlier this year. Year Nine pupils between the ages of 13 and 14 are doing the Art of Microscopy project. Canon Lee's pupils are drawn mainly from the Rawcliffe, Skelton and Clifton areas and the school has six main feeder primary schools.
- The University of York's Department of Biology is one of the leading centres for biological teaching and research in the UK. The Department has an integrated approach to Biology, with no barriers between disciplines. It both teaches degree courses and undertakes research across the whole spectrum of modern Biology, from molecular genetics and biochemistry to ecology.
- The Technology Facility is an integral part of the University's Department of Biology and was created through the recent JIF award to develop the biosciences at York. It is a centre of excellence to make sure of ready access to the key biological research technologies for both researchers at the University of York and, where possible, the wider research community. Housed in a central position within the new Biology and York Structural Biology laboratories that opened in July 2002, the Technology Facility aims to provide an innovative and world-class centre for research, training, collaboration and innovative technology development.
- This is the ninth round of grants to be awarded under the Royal Society scheme. There are two rounds of awards each year, allowing any teacher of five to 16-year-olds to develop their ideas and offer pupils access to "real" science.