Balloch Primary pupils experiment with lab life at Inverness College UHI
Inquisitive Balloch Primary School pupils discovered just what they’re made of as they paid a visit to the Inverness College UHI genetics laboratory at An Lòchran on Tuesday 31 January.
Staff from the Rivers and Lochs Institute, Inverness College UHI, supported by the University of the Highlands and Islands STEM hub (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), welcomed 48 primary four and five pupils, introducing them to areas including inheritance, DNA and genetics.
The pupils had the chance to become scientists for the day as they learned how DNA is extracted from cells, putting their skills to the test by preparing kiwi fruits for extraction. They also discovered how genetics research at the facility is helping to conserve and manage species including the Atlantic Salmon.
Dr Melanie Smith, Head of Research and Postgraduate Development, Inverness College UHI, said: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the children to the laboratory and help build an understanding of the work that takes place.
“We wanted to inspire them with the cutting edge research on their doorstep and link their classroom learning with real-life examples. Hopefully some may want to become the researchers of the future – based in the Highlands!”
Mrs Alison Cowie, primary four teacher at Balloch Primary, said: “The class were really excited about their visit to the genetics lab. It’s a fantastic resource to have on our doorstep and it’s brilliant to show the children the value of what we are currently covering in their science programme.
“The pupils were immersed into the world of inheritance, genetics and DNA as part of their science programme so it was great to have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test in a research environment.
“I’d like to thank Dr Melanie Smith and her team in particular for organising the visit. We now have a class full of budding scientists!”
The laboratory, which opened in 2015, provides a site for the state of the art molecular genetics analysis undertaken by the Rivers and Lochs Institute. Based at the Inverness College UHI campus, the facility carries out research into freshwater biodiversity with a focus on Atlantic salmon.
The visit was fully supported by the University of the Highlands and Islands STEM hub. Set up by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the University of the Highlands and Islands, the Highland Council and Skills Development Scotland, the hub extends the strong emphasis of sciences, technology, engineering and maths, a major priority at both school and higher education level.