Dr Harvey is leading a number of investigations students are conducting in Stem Excel. Stem Excel is an enrichment that incorporates aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. This enrichment requires students to lead learning whilst building skills along the way. Recently students have worked as part of a team planing and conducting an investigation into an area of personal interest. Students conducted independent research prior to starting their projects to find a subject area that hadn’t yet been explored. Students looked into current affairs, ‘big scientific questions’, health and technology and, along with a little imagination, students began to conduct the following investigations:

How does makeup affect our skin?

Sanchia, Rojina and Anna are currently researching the potential impact makeup has on young people’s skin. The girls themselves have been an integral part of this investigation, leaving makeup on their hands for up to 3 days to analyse the impact. The girls have supported their findings with additional research and have stated that “makeup can facilitate a build of bacteria on the skin leading to sores and rashes”. The students are excited to complete the project and present their findings; they want to help encourage their peers to make the right choices for their skin.

How effective are wind turbines?

Meanwhile, Mark and Bilal are undertaking a completely different project, investigating the rapidly changing world of energy. Driven by a passion for building and engineering, the boys are reviewing the effectiveness of renewable energy sources. They decided to find out if the angle of the blades on a wind turbine impacts on voltage output.

Other projects include growing crystals, healthy eating, and how easily we are distracted? And, why is the Statue of Liberty green? Not only has this enrichment given students the opportunity to pursue personal interests but students have become increasingly more confident whilst conducting practical work and are eager to demonstrate this in their science lessons.