Gower College
On the 1st of December a group of approximately 20 students from Gower College, with an interest in healthcare, arrived to visit Swansea University. Their morning was taken up by a maggot workshop and maggot lecture explaining the role of medicinal maggots in chronic wound care. Students then had the opportunity to explore the life cycle of maggot therapy and the clinical application of this therapy. Students enjoyed the many models and living specimens.
Atlantic College
On December the 8th, a group of young 6th form students from Atlantic College visited Swansea University. They wanted to understand and learn a little bit more about the science maggot therapy, and the research undertaken at Swansea University to understand further and the role of maggots in modern medicine. These students were particularly interested in pursuing STEM subjects and research after sixth form. Students were given an hour-long seminar on maggots and maggot therapy - the session was very interactive with interested students asking many brilliant questions! They also enjoyed playing a maggot game, trying to knock out a bacterial infection from a chronic
wound, using maggots! Prizes (maggot mugs) were awarded for students who managed to knock out all 5 species of bacteria! All participants received liquorice maggots! Students were then taken on a tour of the research labs in the Institute of Life Science, to get an insight into the medical research currently being undertaken at Swansea
University.
“That’s why I’m bringing together a diverse group of exhibitors, to show children from rural backgrounds that it is possible for them to pursue careers in science. I’ve also tried to make as many of the activities as possible available in Welsh.”
The festival included an exhibition room, with activities including an exhibit from Lancaster Physics using a cloud chamber to teach about background cosmic radiation.
Children had the opportunity to build a keyboard using an Arduino electronics platform plus a demonstration of cameras to be used by ExoMars, the next European Space Agency rover to go to Mars.
Dr Wardlow said: “It’s a privilege to support Jamie’s dream of bringing the excitement of cutting-edge science to the people of Newton in a fun and accessible way. The whole LUniverse team is looking forward to showcasing the wonders of the night sky at the event, and to exploring the other activities and exhibits that Jamie has planned for the science festival.”
Therewas also support from other universities including Cardiff, Aberystwyth, Chester, Wrexham Glyndwr and Swansea plus sponsorship from local businesses.
The event was funded by the Royal Astronomical Society and Lancaster Physics department.
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Cardiff Science Festival takes over Wales’ capital to inspire and educate. We bring the festival to you, with exciting events popping up across Cardiff to allow you to uncover the science of everyday life.
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The Teachers of Physics awards celebrate the success of secondary school physics teachers who have raised the profile of physics and science in schools.
The IET Faraday® Challenge Days are cross-curricular STEM activity days designed for Year 8 students.
The Engineering Education Grant Scheme (EEGS) supports UK-based educational projects which increase engineering knowledge, improve wider engineering literacy and bring about a better understanding of the role of the engineer, and the contribution engineering makes to society, among young people aged 4-19. Any UK project aiming to promote a better understanding of engineering, inspire young people to study STEM subjects or raise awareness of engineering and technology-based careers could be funded.
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