Researchers - and giant creepy crawlies - truly bringing science to life

12 Jul 2013

Nine-year-old Syd Howarth has been trying to clone a dinosaur for weeks now – and he got a step closer when he learned how to build DNA at the Faculty of Life Sciences Community Open Day.

Syd, one of hundreds of children and adults who took over the Michael Smith Building, declared the experience “epic”.

His favourite parts were building DNA out of gummy sweets and creating a painting with the help of some maggots, which now hangs on his classroom wall.

He was not alone. Jennifer, aged eight, said: “I had a fabulous day, and learned loads!” While 11-year-old Ben added: “It was fantastic, educational and fun for all my family.”

FLS researchers were joined for the first time by colleagues in the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences as they demonstrated their world-class work. They were on hand to talk about their biological and medical research, from cancer research to brain imaging.

Visitors were also able to look around our laboratories, have a go at our experiments and use our million pound microscopes, as well as get hands-on with creepy crawlies, find out how the heart works, make edible cells out of cookies and learning how leeches were used in medicine.

They also learned what molecules made up water and sugar (glucose) using beach balls - pictured.

Natalie Liddle, Faculty Communications Officer and Organiser, said: “We are so pleased that our third Community Open Day was a success. The Michael Smith Building and Quad was buzzing with people and activities from the minute we opened our doors, all of the volunteers were fantastic and the day went without a hitch. Roll on next year!”