Science & Engineering Week 2011
21 March 2011
In March, students took part in a range of visits, talks and activities for National Science and Engineering Week – a programme of science, engineering and technology events held across the UK to promote discussion, knowledge and career options.
On Thursday 10 March, AS Level Chemistry students attended a chemistry workshop at the Institute of Education based at University College London. The students witnessed how chemistry works in real life including the detection, identification and measurement of drugs and poisons in biological and related specimens. They also learned about techniques to minimise problems associated with the waste plastics, how British scientists are working to develop biodegradable plastics from waste potatoes, and the role played by chemists in developing effective medicines.
National Diploma Science students visited Royal Holloway University on Wednesday 16 March for a tour of the science departments. Forensic scientists received an insight into criminology, punishment and its effect on society, considering questions relating to real life legal situations. On the same day, Doctor David Hone, a palaeontologist at University College Dublin, visited West Thames College to give a guest talk on dinosaurs.
During lunchtime on Friday 18 March, science students performed live demonstrations in the Atrium building including amazing levitation experiments and a daring water balloon trick. Students were also given the chance to see blood and brain tissue samples through a powerful microscope.
