This in from Nat on behalf of Ryde Academy. Ed
The aim of the Research Challenge was to provide students with an insight into the research skills needed for study at university by getting them to develop a public health campaign, including political strategies and prevention plans in order to help stop the spread of an infectious disease (smallpox).
How to deal with a Smallpox outbreak
Students were greeted with a (fictitious!) news report that a Smallpox outbreak had occurred and they had to manage it.
The students formed outbreak control teams and attended workshops, led by academics, in different subject areas related to the outbreak of a disease. This was interspersed with newsflashes about the fictitious spread of the disease from the US to the UK.
Collaboration with other schools
On day one, the Academy was joined by seven other schools in a series of workshops to learn about infectious diseases. They inspected 1,500 year old skeletons and worked out how they died. Students were given the chance to vaccinate fake arms and used thermal imaging cameras to check for fever.
They also learnt how to stop a population panicking and how to communicate vital news effectively. It was a great opportunity for the students to look around the campus and get a taste of university life. A real eye opener for many.
Presenting their campaigns
On day two, students had to collate all their research and information and work as a team to present their public health campaign which included creating leaflets, posters, websites, apps and a presentation to the judges
The students had a fantastic time. They worked incredibly hard and gave a great presentation. Mr Naidoo and Mrs Wiggins (Ryde Academy Science Teachers) were very proud of them all.
Kate Bartlett, who organised the challenge said
“We were impressed by the level of work the students produced. During the two day challenge, based on site at the University, we saw the teams develop their research, communication and presentation skills as well as their confidence and it gave them the chance to experience first-hand, the multidisciplinary aspect of university research.”
Learn with US
The Year 10 Challenge is part of the University of Southampton Learn with US programme which enables gifted and talented students, from our partner schools to take part in a variety of taster days, subject specific workshops and project days at the University and in school.
Please visit http://www.southampton.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges/ for more information
