Budding Marine Scientists
Budding marine scientists of the future were given a unique insight into their dream career when they spent a day on Newcastle University’s new research vessel.
The pupils - from schools across the UK - won the opportunity to spend a day on board The Princess Royal after taking part in a national competition launched in celebration of National Science Week.
Pupils were challenged with solving some of the greatest problems currently facing the marine environment, the students were asked to put together a report or poster considering issues such as pollution and sustainability and suggesting ways of solving them.
We were very impressed with all of the entries received, but the research projects to come out on top were and the pupils who spent the day at sea with experts from the University’s Dove Marine Laboratory, collecting samples and learning more about marine science and research are list below.
First place:
Went to 14 year old William Henstock of Cardinal Langley RC High School in Middleton Rochdale, Manchester, for his report about the “Effects of Marine Pollution”.
He said: “It was a great day. The experience has definitely influenced me to follow my chosen career in marine biology.”
Second place:
Was won by Lloyd Bradley, Fergus Chadwick, Luke Moir and Thomas Turnbull of St Leonard’s Catholic Sixth Form College, Durham.
Third and fourth place:
Went to Rachel Jones and Jack Peacock and Charis Lofthouse and Nathan Sample of Prior Pursglove School in Guisborough.
Luke Moir said: “The day was amazing – the perfect combination of fun, learning science and good hard work.” Fergus Chadwick added: “The day was absolutely superb.”
Jack Peacock said: “I’m so glad we entered. I don’t know what I expected but it was so interesting.”
The competition is being run again this year and the call has just gone out for budding marine scientists of the future.
The closing date for this year’s competition will be the 4.00 pm on Friday 13th April, 2012.
For more details contact Annie.cunningham@ncl.ac.uk or go to click here to down load an information pack.