Manchester: Crest Awards for Saint Paul's scientists

Young scientists with their awards

A group of Year 9 pupils at Saint Paul's Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester have been challenged to think, work and communicate like a real scientist as they worked towards the Bronze Crest Award in an after-school Science club.

Crest is a national award scheme organised by The British Science Association which allows the pupils to explore real life projects in an exciting way. It also links closely with the school curriculum and provides creative and engaging learning.

The pupils had to research and design their own project, carry out practical work and then present this work in an attractive written format to communicate the main areas of research and learning. The project was designed to highlight the role of Chemistry in sustainability and also promote educational pathways and careers which can be accessed through study. The project involved designing and creating organic sustainable shampoo bars, their packaging and marketing.

The pupils will began by researching the chemicals in shampoo and its packaging and how these affect the environment. They also researched what goes into shampoo and how to make it as organic as possible. They then worked systematically to find a 'perfect' formula for their shampoo.

Within the project, the pupils practised their existing scientific skills and they have also developed new skills as they followed a scientific process. In addition, they were expected to demonstrate some creativity and innovation in their work.

"The Crest Awards provide a valuable insight into what science is really like, pupils have to act like a real scientist as they research and explore their projects. It is a fantastic way to enjoy science and, at the same time, develop many important skills including problem solving, team working, practical, thinking, communication and presentation skills," explained Ms Charlotte Dewhurst, the Science teacher who has been running the club at Saint Paul's. "The award scheme allows the pupils to explore their own ideas and interests within science and helps to bridge the gap between science in the classroom and that of science in the 'real world'."

Mr Mike Whiteside, Deputy Headteacher at Saint Paul's, commented: "As well as being great fun, the Crest Awards are recognition of the pupils' success and an excellent way of preparing pupils for the world of work and they raise awareness of the many different careers in Science, Engineering and Technology."

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Saint Paul's Catholic High School: www.st-paulshigh.net