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College teams up with Oxford for 'Red Hot Science'
College has been chosen by The Royal Society to receive funding to implement an innovative science project involving chillies.
The project, titled “Red Hot Science - Chillies, Capsaicin and Chocolate” will enable pupils to use chemical sensors recently developed at Oxford University to measure the heat of student cultivated chilli peppers.
It will introduce students to electrochemistry, organic chemistry, botany and statistics as well as providing experience of running a self-designed research project.
Girls will be given the chance to work with a variety of experts.
These include world leading electrochemist Professor Richard Compton of St John’s College Oxford and the university’s chemistry department, South Devon Chilli Farm Director Steve Waters, and Dr Alison Foster, of the Oxford University Botanic Garden.
Ms Eve Jardine-Young, Principal of The Cheltenham Ladies' College, said “This collaboration enables budding scientists and engineers to embrace an exciting cross curricular venture that reflects the aims and vision of college.
“The direct exposure of young minds to academics will serve as a rich addition to their education”.
The project aim is to allow budding scientists to build and develop their scientific understanding in a way that is exciting, original and relevant to their everyday life.
Professor John Pethica FRS, Vice-President of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting “Red Hot Science - Chillies, Capsaicin and Chocolate” and are looking forward to seeing this imaginative project come to life over the coming months.
“Science and engineering are exhilarating and dynamic subjects and we hope that by giving teachers the opportunity to introduce innovative science that we can help show young people how much fun in real-life these subjects can be, and inspire them to become the inventors, explorers and innovators of the future.”
Professor Compton will be working in partnership with the College during the next year.
He said: “Our electrochemical sensors for species such as chilli and garlic will provide a platform for pupils to devise their own research projects and stimulate understanding of the impact of chemistry and engineering upon their day-to-day activities.”
Teachers, scientists, engineers and industry partners interested in applying for a Partnership Grant should visit www.royalsociety.org/education.
Article Created 15/08/2012