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SCIENCE NEWSDEPARTMENT INFORMATION MARCH 2013

I N S P I R I N G C H E M I S T R YNick Barker from the Chemistry Department at the University of Warwick visited Southam College in February and gave an inspiring talk to Sixth form Chemistry students. He spoke about the fascinating research that has been carried out at the University of Warwick in recent years and the people who carry out the research.The best asthma drug ever invented was described. It is a new single tablet that can be taken daily instead of usual asthma inhalers. It is far more effective than any other anti inflammatory and could be used for many different conditions that require an anti-inflammatory drug. This drug is currently in testing procedures.Research into developing better biofuels is being undertaken, including systems which involve converting household waste into biofuel.Diamond does not conduct electricity, however diamond with boron does. A new boron diamond electrode is currently being used to test for poisonous metals in seawater.Smart phones use Indium tin oxide in their touch screens which is i n c r e d i b l y e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y unfr iendly. Nick described research into using graphene, single layer graphite, as a viable more environmentally friendly alternative.Overall, the talk was incredibly well received, and gave the students

inspi rat ion into current and developing technology. Nick gave a portrayal of the bigger picture of Chemistry and Science in general. Chemistry can make all of our lives easier and there are constantly new ways that this is developing. The students were buzzing with questions about the technology and what it could mean for their future studies. Nick has invited some sixth form students back to t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Wa r w i c k Chemistry Department this month to listen to Masters Students present the i r research in to Nanotechnology. This is a fantastic opportunity and I am looking forward to reporting back on even more cutt ing edge research that is being undertaken at the University.

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Mrs Ridler with her Year 9 students

PROJECT WORK YEAR 9In Year 9 students have been working on an extended project called ‘Genes and Chromosomes’.  The students decided on three research questions and had two weeks to complete the project.  I am so proud of the level of u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d c o m m i t m e n t s t u d e n t s exhibited on completion of their task.Well done Year 9!Mrs Ridler, Science Teacher

Mrs  Craven  with  Nick  Barker  from  the  University  of  Warwick

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As a trainee Science Teacher I was delighted to find out that I am spending my second teaching placement at Southam College. However my time here did not start to well with my first day being a snow day! Since then I have been made to feel extremely welcome by all Southam staff and students. In particular, the tutor group I am attached to seem exceptionally lovely. I have enjoyed the first lessons I taught here and I look forwards to teaching many more of you as I continue my placement here.Miss G. Tucker, Science PGCE

NEW TO SCIENCE

EYE DISSECTIONS - BIOLOGY

Mr Royle with 9A3

9A3 were given the opportunity to dissect sheep eyes today in Science. The class had to learn the function of each component of the eye before they were allowed to locate and identify these parts in small groups. The class displayed a very mature yet enthusiastic attitude. One pupil in particular ‘Ruby Potter’ conducted one of the best dissections I have seen, identifying and isolating all key parts of the eye.Well done 9A3, fantastic lesson had by all.Mr Royle, Science Teacher

"I'm Liam, I go to Lawrence Sheriff School, and have spent the a week undertaking work experience at Southam College. I have been based in the Science Department, and have been lending a hand to the  technicians. This experience has been interesting and informative, as it has given me an  insight  into the busy lives of your Science  Technicians. Throughout the week I have been striving to be as much of a help as possible, and the whole experience has  encouraged  me to  pursue a  career  in Science. I'd like to thank the whole department for being so welcoming towards me, and especially the  technicians  themselves for providing me a  thoroughly  enjoyable work experience"Liam Cuddihy, Work experience

SCIENCE IN THE NEWSRUSSIA BOMBARDED WITH METEORITES AND ASTEROID NARROWLY MISSES An asteroid as large as an Olympic swimming pool has raced past the Earth at a distance of just 27,700km (17,200mi) - the closest ever predicted for an object of that size. It passed far closer even than the geosynchronous satellites that orbit the Earth, but there was no risk of impacts or collisions.The asteroid's arrival was preceded by a damaging meteor event in Russia but indications from the meteor's path suggest that the two events are entirely unrelated - just a "cosmic coincidence", as Alan Fitzsimmons of Queens University Belfast told BBC News. A meteor crashing in Russia's Ural mountains injured at least 950 people, as the shockwave blew out windows and rocked buildings. Most of those hurt, in the Chelyabinsk region where meteorites fell, suffered cuts and bruises. A fireball streaked through the clear morning sky, followed by loud bangs.Asteroids, meteors and meteorites

Asteroids are small bodies that orbit the Sun as the Earth doesLarger asteroids are called planetoids or minor planets, smaller ones often called meteoroidsOnce any of these enters our planet's atmosphere, it becomes a meteorMany meteors break into pieces or burn up entirely as they speed through the atmosphere Once meteors or fragments actually hit the earth's surface, they become meteorites

http://www.space.com/19821-asteroid-2012-da14-flyby-meteor.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21468116

Year 8 Science ExamThe Year 8 exam will take place week commencing the 11th March 2013Topics to revise8F - Materials and Recycling  revision guide pages 58-59, 64-658J - Forces and Transport revision guide pages 36-39, 46-47, 52-539A - Science and Fiction revision guide pages 72-758G - All that Glitters  revision guide pages 60-61

Year 7 Science ExamThe Year 7 exam will take place week commencing the 11th March 2013Topics to revise7F- Bubbles, bangs and burning. Revision guide pages 60,61,154,1557J - Electrical circuits. Revision guide pages 22-25,116-1197C/8D - Classified. Revision guide pages 68-74,162-1677G - What a waste. Revision guide pages 54-57,148-151

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