A fantastic collaboration between Discovery Park, Canterbury Christ Church University, Pfizer, educational charity STEM Learning, supported by York Bioanalytical Solutions, continues to host invaluable sessions at the Community Lab. The Community Lab, which is based in Discovery Park’s iconic Building 500, provides schools in Kent and Medway with access to an industrial-standard laboratory and equipment.

In collaboration with working scientists, students can take part in a more enriched experience of vital national curriculum objectives using lab and science equipment they typically could not access in schools.

Providing students with this experience not only allows them memorable learning experiences, it can also inspire and encourage young people to pursue further education and future careers in STEM areas.

With access to this ‘real-world’ laboratory, secondary school students can apply their knowledge and skills in context, helping them progress and make links to the national curriculum.

This service is free to all schools. The only requirement needed is for a member of your science team to attend a training session.

Sessions focus on BTEC/ A-level organic chemistry practical and analytical skills, although Community Lab can tailor sessions to suit a wider audience and age range. The experience has previously been enjoyed by STEM Clubs of a younger age group. Additional activities are in the planning process for future sessions. Available sessions this term:

• Lab Mix Up: chemical testing, reactions, reagents, compounds, material structure and properties, reactivity, liquid separation, Thin Layer Chromatography, IR and NMR spectroscopy.
• Polymerisation: preparation and analysis of Nylon, Polystyrene and Thermosetting polymers, IR spectroscopy.

This amazing opportunity should not be missed; allowing students to work scientifically, achieve new potential and inspire a new generation of STEM workers.

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