Release: Kent Science Resource Centre Impresses French Students With CSI Skills
The Kent Science Resource Centre (KSRC) on the Kent Science Park was host to a continental contingent of students recently, when a group of A-Level aged young-adults spent a day there whilst visiting the area from France.
The students were aged 16 and 17 and all hailed from Boulogne-Sur-Mer, near Calais. They were visiting Kent as part of an exchange trip with Chatham Grammar School for Girls. Whilst at the KSRC, they took part in a Molecular Biology activity workshop, which took the form of CSI-style crime scene analysis. In the scenario, the students were given a DNA sample that had been taken from a “crime scene”, along with samples from two potential suspects. The students then analysed the DNA samples to see which of the suspects had been present at the scene of the crime and reported back on their findings.
Julie Coleman, Centre Manager at the KSRC, commented on the lesson that she held for the French students:
“All-in-all, the day was a resounding success. After the day was over, a number of students approached me to tell me how much they had enjoyed the day. They said that it had been the highlight of their trip and that they were going to be telling their friends all about it when they got home.”
“Whilst it’s always wonderful to see teenagers being captivated by science, there was definitely something special about putting on a class for students for whom English is a second language. I’ve always known that science is universal, but it was incredible to see this in practice!”
James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park also commented about the visit:
“This is excellent news for the Kent Science Resource Centre – their reputation for excellence has spread all the way across the Channel. The KSRC has been providing a valuable educational service for local schools since it opened in September 2007. Not only is it seen as an outstanding day trip for schools who want to give their students an exciting, hands-on science masterclass, but now it’s being recognised internationally as a destination of choice for foreign students as well.”
ENDS
Pictured
Students from France taking part in experiments at the Kent Science Resource Centre.
Comments