NEWS ARCHIVE
Students make science interesting
Students on the second year of the Marine Science Foundation Degree at Falmouth Marine School have received a master class in how to engage the public in their marine science projects.
The College’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) coordinator Alex Ledbrooke, who works across all Cornwall College sites including Falmouth, arrived with his box of tricks and gave live demonstrations of how simple everyday materials could be used to demonstrate scientific theories.
Equipped with milk, cornflour, food dye, copper tubing and magnets, Alex covered how planes fly, how electricity is created, and why oil floats on the seabed, to name just a few.
The students were then tasked to apply these experiments to the marine environment and produce some engaging experiments of their own that relate to their course projects.
Dr Claire Eatock, Marine Science Programme Manager said: “The students will be exhibiting their projects at Falmouth Marine School’s annual Research Day. The students need to be able to engage with people of all ages and abilities, in a fun, educational way. Alex does this really well in his STEM coordinator role in schools, colleges and at community events. The session was a real benefit to the students and will be for the business and schools that will attend their exhibitions and presentations at the Research Day.”
Student Ambassador, Steve Downing said: “The session was surprisingly useful. I can see its practical application for engaging the public when I exhibit my end of year study. It will also be really useful when I visit schools and work at the College’s open events as part of my Student Ambassador role.”
David Stedman, Head of Falmouth Marine School said: “As educators, it’s important that we not only equip students with the academic knowledge needed for their chosen careers but the communication and social skill needed in the workplace. Teaching students to educate others is just one example of how we do that.”
All undergraduate courses at Falmouth Marine School are approved by the Plymouth University.
