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Expanding Horizons Trip for Year 8 at QMUL

Centre of the Cell, a cutting-edge tech centre that lies in the heart of Whitechapel, East London. Part of Queen Mary, University of London, this was the perfect choice for expanding the horizons of our budding year 8 scientists. Suspended above bustling labs in the Blizzard Institute in Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, the students were able to see research scientists at work. Once inside, they learned about the fascinating world of cells, the amazing human body and the very latest medical research.

The STEM Pod, a bright orange, giant plastic room shaped like a 16-cell embryo, was where they started their journey. Here, the students got to explore the world of cells through video displays and games for all ages. A favourite among the group was “Poo Racer”- an action-packed screen-based game that takes you on the roller-coaster journey your food takes through your gut to its natural end – in the toilet bowl.

The children were also drawn in by the props and exhibits dotted around The Pod. These included an actual hands-on microscope, into which you can peer to discover all sorts of cells; sections of brain, liver and other organs giving a fascinating peek inside the human body.

Then it was off to the Neuron Pod – a specially designed learning space built into the shape of a neuron. The interactive themed shows were hosted by the medical students and were far from dry lectures. These fun and fact-packed, noisy and occasionally messy sessions were loved by the students. Each group participated in a different workshop, helping to secure their knowledge and understanding of genes and evolution, infection and immunity and neurons.

It was a fantastic trip for year 8 and we look forward to taking them on many more in the future.