Science Department - Gifted & Talented Students
The University Of Sussex Science Laboratory for Gifted and Talented Pupils & Portslade Community College Science Department
Twelve Year 9 students were lucky enough to be selected to attend two laboratory sessions at the University of Sussex, ‘E-science’ and ‘Robotics’. They were looking forward to building robots and finding out what exactly was meant by E-science.
The sessions are designed by a team of qualified teachers with expertise in each of the subject specific areas to enrich and extend beyond National Curriculum science. The laboratory provides excellent facilities and superb technical support for small groups of pupils to engage with high level scientific equipment which is out of reach of the school budget. Pupils have the opportunity to work with leading scientists and top researchers who are at the cutting edge in their field of science.
Robotics
During the Robotics Session the pupils took part in a challenge to construct and test a Martian Rover, Martian Lander and Robotic arm using Lego Mindstorms as well as question Professor Phil Husbands, leading expert on Robotics and try-out developmental robots presented by researcher Bill Big.
What the Students had to say:
‘I enjoyed building and testing the Martian Rover’
‘I enjoyed building and working the robots the most. I would have liked a longer time so that we can share ideas about the tasks.’
‘The sessions were better than I thought. I enjoyed learning about how the robots worked.’
E-science
During the E-science sessions pupils used web-based resources and environmental handheld sensors that support environmental science research.
‘I learnt that there is a lot more carbon monoxide in the air than I thought.’
‘I enjoyed using new equipment.’
‘I learnt how to use Global Positioning Satellite and camcorder.’
‘I enjoyed keeping a video diary.’
Hollywood Science
The pupils are looking forward to the next session called ‘Hollywood Science’ and the opportunity to work with top scientist and TV celebrity Dr Jonathan Hare (Rough Science and Hollywood Science, BBC2) analysing the science involved in the movies.
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