In this post, George shares the hands-on experiments and experiences that made the John Innes Centre Year 10 Summer Science Camp such an inspiring week.
The JIC Summer Camp was probably one of the best things I did this summer. I got to take part in actual research as well as hone my techniques in the training lab. On the first day we carried out several experiments. First, we looked at how effective different concentrations of bleach solution were at killing bacteria. We used serial dilution to create all the different concentrations of bleach, including a control, before adding our bacteria (pseudomonas). We then put the samples in the incubator, leaving the bacterial colonies to grow so we could check on them the next day.
In the meantime, we got to look at animals – or more specifically beetles. After making pooters, we were given the task of sorting out ten beetles by their gender, which was much more difficult than it sounds. We had to identify their sex under a microscope, though they never wanted to keep still!
We also got to do some research into a pest of our choosing that affects crops in the UK, using the computer lab, before being taught how to write an article and include appropriate references. This was a very useful activity to take part in as it helped us understand not only how to write appropriate articles but also how to recognise trustworthy sources and how to extract useful information out of extremely long texts.
The next day we got our bacteria samples back and, after comparing it with our hypothesis, we got to do some pigment extraction. We went out into the garden to choose our plants (mine was a rose petal) before grinding it, covering it with acetone and putting it in the centrifuge. We then evaporated the acetone and made concentrated dots on two pieces of chromatography paper, using two different solvents (acetone and ethanol) to see which one was more effective.
For the remainder of the day, we had a tour of the glasshouses and seed bank before taking a short bus ride to the JIC farm. There, we got to look at all the various crops which were being grown, and after a tour of all their specialist machinery, we got to see their many drones.
For the next two days I went on work experience with a research team in The Sainsbury Laboratory. I really enjoyed this as I got to experience firsthand what it was like to be a researcher, as well as having the most in-depth look into science that I’ve ever had – a fascinating experience and one that I would definitely do again. I was also introduced to some very expensive microscopes and got to see how they worked (or didn’t work!) as well as their function within the research team.
On the final day, we practised our public speaking skills – an asset which can often be overlooked but is extremely important if you want to be able to get your ideas across. Then we made posters about something we had learned about at the camp and displayed them in the room where we were going to have our lunch. After a very nice lunch with scientists from all over Norwich Research Park, we presented our posters to our parents.
This camp has been a massive eye-opener into the number of careers that are available in STEM. Nobody’s pathway into their job is the same and the variety of roles is astounding. I think that it was great to get proper inside knowledge into how research actually works, as well as getting to perform experiments in actual labs and use technology that wasn’t available to me before.
By taking part in the camp, I have been enrolled into the bronze YSA and the camp alone counts towards over half of the award! I have now undertaken various activities at home and elsewhere, including work experience, and am very close to completing my award.
The John Innes Centre Year 10 Summer Science Camp gives students a hands-on taste of real research. Discover more Find out more about the JIC Science Camp
George is from Suffolk and has now completed a Bronze level award with support from the John Innes Centre.
