Lab in a Lorry

Lab in a Lorry is a mobile science laboratory that allows students to take part in some real world science experiments that are usually beyond the scope of the classroom. The workshop was focused on forensics and gave the students an exciting insight into some of the practical uses of science to solve crime. The students worked in small groups to carry out DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis and were told about how this would be used to match DNA at crime scenes to the DNA of suspects. They also carried out some fibre analysis, bone analysis and infrared spectroscopy.

The girls got really involved in the workshop and asked some really interesting questions. It was really nice to see this group so engaged in science!

Below are some of the comments students made after the workshop ...

"I now want to be a forensic scientist thanks to this workshop instead of being a lawyer" - Kyanne

"I enjoyed finding the strawberry's DNA, it was interesting! It seems hard and complex, but is actually something really easy that can be done at home" - Cebienne

Congratulations, Year 11 scientists, you have now participated in real world science!