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Scientists to help school pupils with face wash investigation

The 11-15 year-old Rushcliffe School pupils also want to compare different types of face washes and identify whether there is a correlation between cost and effectiveness.

The university scientists - based in the School of Science and Technology at the Clifton Campus - will be showing the pupils how to test for different types of bacteria on the skin. The pupils will then carry out a fully controlled human trial across their school to determine the effect of different face washes on skin quality and cleanliness.

The project aims to provide pupils with the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the scientific process. It is hoped they will develop knowledge of practical microbiology and aseptic techniques and develop the skills to analyse large volumes of data, including relevant statistical tests.

It will also give pupils the chance to meet and work with scientists and allow them to build and develop their scientific understanding in a way that is exciting, original and relevant to their lives. It has been made possible by a Partnership Grant from The Royal Society - the UK's national academy of science.

Dr Georgina Manning, Principal Lecturer in Microbiology at Nottingham Trent University, said: "Our project will bring to life what pupils learn about in the classroom and help them to understand the impact of science and engineering upon their day-to-day activities. Making these subjects relevant is how we demonstrate how vital they are to our lives."

Professor John Pethica FRS, Vice-President of the Royal Society, said: "We're pleased to be supporting this project and are looking forward to seeing this imaginative project come to life over the coming months.

"Science and engineering are exhilarating and dynamic subjects and we hope that by giving teachers the opportunity to introduce innovative science that we can help show young people how much fun in real-life these subjects can be, and inspire them to become the inventors, explorers and innovators of the future."

Source:www.ntu.ac.uk|

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