Gold Youth STEMM

After completing my Bronze Youth STEMM Award last summer I was keen to explore the world of science.  Since starting college in September my eyes have been opened to new scientific phenomena.  I have really enjoyed all the experiments that I have been given the opportunity to undertake at college, from titrations in chemistry, to measuring the value of g in physics.  However, one of my favourite experiments was using the microscopes to identify mitosis in an Allium root tip in biology. This may seem boring to you but in actual fact, when you look through a microscope, there is a whole world to discover.  Mitosis particularly grabbed my attention because it’s astonishing to think that this process is happening in our bodies at this very moment. I thoroughly enjoyed this task as I have loved using microscopes from a young age.  In 2015 I was even lucky enough to get selected to be a part of Year 10 Science Camp at the John Innes Centre.  During thi...

Yesterday was the day of the Eastern Big Bang Fair. We left college at 8.15 for our 2-hour journey to Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford. Unfortunately, Kate couldn't make it as she was busy looking around Plymouth University. The first stand we visited was the Royal Society of Chemistry, where we were shown how sun cream works and was able to observe the importance of it. Opposite that was the Youth STEMM Award table, where the wonderful Sam and Simon Fox were talking to prospective STEMM Award students. From there, we made our way downstairs to GlaxoSmithKline, where we met the extraordinary scientists behind a revolutionary medicine to be used in poverty stricken countries, and who kindly allowed us to take a photo of them with the new medicine. It is a gel that is used to clean the umbilical cord of a newborn baby after it has been cut; often, mud and animal manure would be used to wipe it 'clean', however, this would be likely to give the baby harmful disea...

Opportunities. New knowledge. Moving forward. Our planet is changing faster than it ever has before, and it doesn't show signs of slowing any time soon. As scientists, we have to keep up with the world we live in and we believe STEMM is the way forward.  STEMM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine. The five components which have truly shaped the way we function as a human race. But why are they so important, and why do we need STEMM to continue growth? Science has allowed us to create and use things today that we consider to be the norm; lighting, electricity, kitchen appliances, safe drinking water, and even the device you're using to read this on. Science is an ongoing battle, and without it the rate of ozone depletion would be far higher than it currently is. Science is also improving the environment around us, especially in areas such as the Arctic and Antarctic, where the icebergs are melting as a result of climate change. Technology is a...

Hello and welcome to our first post. We are 5 individuals who are currently completing our Gold Youth STEMM Award.  Here's a small introduction to each of us: Imogen:  I am 17 and studying A Level Chemistry, Maths, and BTEC Level 3 Criminology. After college, I want to go to university to study forensic science.  Olivia:  I'm 16 and studying A Level Maths, Biology, and Physics.  When I finish college I plan to study nutrition.   Kioni:  I'm 17 and studying A Level Maths, Media, Chemistry, and AS Level Further Maths.  I hope to be able to study mathematics at university after finishing college.  Kate:  I am also 17 and studying A Level Maths, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.  In the future, I plan to study dentistry at university. Evie:  I'm 17 and studying A Level Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, and Physics.  In the future, I would like to study Geophysics and go into something in th...