On the 3 and 4 of July students from Cockermouth School headed to the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, for its annual Summer Science Exhibition in London.
Over the past year, the students have been conducting research with their STEM partner from Sellafield Ltd on ancestral relatedness of daffodil cultivars by sequencing their DNA enabled through the Royal Society Partnership Grants Scheme. Working closely with the University of Dundee and Dr Conor Kelly from Sellafield Ltd, students used cutting edge nanopore DNA sequencing technology to isolate the sequence of different daffodils. This included the Wordsworth Gold daffodil donated by National Trust’s Wordsworth House in Cockermouth.
The Year 12 students exhibited their findings to some of the world’s most eminent scientists alongside 13 outstanding research groups and more than 300 scientists from across the UK. The students developed a range of activities for their exhibit including building a large working model of the nanopore technology and ‘beat the clock’ sequencing activity, 3D printed models of proteins with help from Eagle labs, Whitehaven and micropipette practice on handmade daffodil paper bookmarks. The public and scientists could learn about the ancestry of the daffodil cultivars and how the new generation nanopore-based molecular techniques worked at the Cockermouth School exhibit. The appeal was further enhanced by button badges and a scientific poster made by students.
Mrs Faria, Biology Teacher said: “This fantastic project has enabled our students to work closely with a STEM partner and understand the science behind nanopore technology while they develop high level practical skills. The students have worked hard over the past year, so it was really exciting for them to be able to present their findings to world class researchers, Fellows and visitors to the exhibition.
Anya W, Year 12 Student said, “this was a once in a lifetime experience, nerve wracking but amazing.”