6th form scientists
visited one of the
leading spectroscopy
departments in the
country at Bristol
University
18
Aluredian
watch. This was our seventh year taking part
in this project, and many families from both
King's College and King's Hall School
contributed towards the biggest bird survey in
the world.
The Space Odyssey Dome (Simon Ould, Fellow
of the Royal Astronomical Society) also made
its annual visit to King's to treat the 3rd form
to an exciting tour of the galaxy: each year it
seems to get better and better.
We also had three other lectures during the
term, the highlight being the Life lectures given
by Patrick Morris OA. Dr Tim Harrison from
Bristol University gave a fascinating lecture on
Chocolates and Perfumery, with the added
attraction of being able to taste and smell the
exhibits! The third lecture was part of the
annual Science Weekend, and was given by
Professor John Constable, who spoke about his
innovative and ground-breaking project on
hydrogen cars: he gave everyone a real insight
into the future of road transport. The next day,
five teams competed for the best performing
mini-solar car, the prize being jointly awarded
to the German and British teams.
Throughout the term a team of 6th formers
visited prep schools and primary schools,
giving a highly interactive rainforest workshop
to Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils. Possibly the
biggest challenge so far was a presentation to
the whole school at the Downs Prep School
near Bristol, which involved handing out
T
he Science Society had
another busy, full and
informative year of lectures,
trips and activities. In
September, 6th form scientists
had the chance to visit one of
the leading spectroscopy departments in the
country at Bristol University. Later that month
it was the 3rd form's turn to venture north up
the M5, when they spent the day at Bristol Zoo
and @ Bristol.
After half-term Professor Linda Lavelle-Baggott
gave an inspirational talk on Bioethics, and a
week later, Kate Shaw of Bristol University
addressed the society on Drugs Design and
Computational Chemistry.
The Michaelmas term ended with a visit from
Diane Aston of the Institute of Materials,
Minerals and Mining, when she gave a
compelling and fascinating talk on Smart
Materials and Materials Science.
The Lent term began with a 'circus' of
workshops for the 3rd form based around the
theme of Sustainability and given by the
Carymoor Environmental Centre. Soon after this,
Dr Mark Lewney gave an inspirational lecture
entitled Rock Guitar in 11 Dimensions: he is
also an accomplished guitar player, and started
and completed his talk with two mini-concerts.
At the end of January, the King's community
took part in the annual RSPB great garden bird
Science
Society
by Roger
Poland