Tuesday 4 June 2013 Primary pupils from Leeds and Ilkley became forensic investigators for a day as they headed to the science labs at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) to solve the mystery of a missing trophy. Faced with the fictitious theft of the valuable Rose Cup from GSAL’s trophy cabinet and a line-up of four prime suspects, the year 5 pupils from eight local schools set to work to catch the culprit. There was real science to be learned by the young sleuths as they sifted through the clues, conducting scientific analyses of fibres, powders and inks and learning fingerprinting techniques. For most it was their first experience of a school science lab, with plenty to take on board about lab safety, scientific methodology and team work. Clare Seakins, gifted and talented coordinator at Rawdon St Peter’s, said: “It’s great for the children to be in a proper lab and gives them a taster of senior school science with a fun, hands on activity.” Debbie Whittaker, science coordinator at Gledhow Primary School, said: “This is the age we need to get children involved in something vocational like this, it’s a fantastic experience that can spark off a lifelong enthusiasm for science. They are learning valuable team working and analytical skills as they think about how they use the evidence to compare and draw conclusions.” Westville House pupil Ben said: “I liked the part where we tested the security powder with indicator and then dissolved it in water and acid. Sometimes nothing happened, sometimes it fizzed and the indicator made it go cool colours.” The schools taking part in the forensic science day were Rawdon St Peter’s C of E, Moortown, Iveson, Victoria, Gledhow and Talbot primary schools, Richmond House School and Westville House School, Ilkley. General News
