MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
NIMR scientist on teachers.tv
01 July 2010
NIMR scientist Clare Davy is a Primary STEM Ambassador, working with STEMNET to engage primary school students with science. She joined NIMR as a PhD student in 1998 and is now an investigator scientist in John Doorbar's lab in the Division of Virology. In addition to her research Clare has led many outreach activities on behalf of NIMR. Most recently, in collaboration with STEMNET and teachers.tv, she helped to write and appeared in a short educational film which was aimed at KS2 teachers to try to encourage them to get STEM ambassadors to visit their schools.
The film shows Clare working with Key Stage 2 school students, teaching them about DNA in an unusual and interesting way. The pupils are given a project to identify who stole some sweets, so they dress up as forensic scientists and get a chance to work with some scientific equipment. The class analyse samples from the crime scene, and build their own models of the structure of DNA. Using the results they obtain, the pupils discover the identity of the villain who committed the crime.
Engaging with the local community is an important part of NIMR's remit. We are keen to tell people about the science at NIMR. Many staff and students already engage in outreach, some through NIMR, others independently.
Donna Brown, Director of Studies
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