UWE BoxED: empowering students in the ‘real world’ – providing responsible research and innovation opportunities through the BoxED project

Figures & data

Table 1. A list of current activities delivered and brief details included.

Activity name	Brief details of activity
Cracking the genetic code	Pupils learn how genes influence processes within human cells and the importance of this in identifying and treating diseases
Genes and inherited Diseases	Introduces the concept of genetic inheritance and the potential of gene editing as a therapeutic tool. Based on current research into Retinitis Pigmentosa (a genetic disease that causes visual impairment and blindness)
The science behind the GP surgery	An overview of the biomedical techniques used in patient diagnosis. Pupils will work with synthetic urine samples and mock case studies to diagnose patients
The problem with plastics and plankton	A look at the array of planktonic species that form the building blocks of all life on earth. Pupils will learn what microbeads are and gain an understanding of their devastating effect on our oceans and waterways
Crime stoppers – practical application	Pupils are introduced to a number of skills used by forensic investigators and opportunity for themselves to have a go
Crime Stoppers – Solving a Crime	A glimpse into the work of a forensic investigator. Pupils will help police solve an animal cruelty case
Plants vs. Microbes: an arms race	Plant disease-causing microorganisms (pathogens) and the plants they infect are engaged in an ongoing arms race. Pupils are introduced to how plants are immune and how bacteria evolve to overcome this immunity
Understanding the Human Brain	Pupils are introduce to the four lobes of the brain and what each of the functions of these lobes are responsible for
Flies do conservation too!	The aim of this activity is to improve pupils’ understanding of the importance of biodiversity, the interconnectedness of nature and sustainable use of natural resources
Vader’s Disease	Pupils are tasked with completing a family tree, undertaking biochemical and genetic tests to determine who in the family may be afflicted with (the imaginary) Vader's Disease
Microbial Fuel Cell Project	This activity is undertaken over 5 weeks within a school setting. Pupils set up their own microbial fuel cells (MFCs) inoculated from soil from their own playgrounds. They are charged with looking after them with the aim that the MFC, combined with their classmates, will produce enough electricity to power a small device e.g. an LED light
A Fair Test	Designed for KS2 pupils this activity introduces the skills of being a ‘good scientist’. The effects of sugar and water added to yeast are measured, and terms such as ‘variables’ and ‘control’ are introduced and explained
Life under the Lens: An Astonishing Miniature World	This activity introduces the topic of microscopic life by examining the diverse array of organisms you may find in aquatic environments
Mining for Microbes	Bacteria are EVERYWHERE, including the human body. Pupils learn about the human microbiome, and understand the conditions needed to survive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) – detecting disease.	Designed for KS5 this activity is designed to allow pupils to perform an ELISA to determine which patient has immunity to ‘meningitis’
The Science of Smelling	This activity introduces the importance of smell in identifying the microbes in our mouths

Figure 1. Student ambassadors and interns working with Year 10 pupils from the Bridge Learning Campus, Bristol on the activity ‘Cracking the Genetic Code’. (Parental permission has been gained for use of photographic material).

Figure 2. Katherine Bourne, BoxED Graduate Intern, attending a school event at promoting Forensic activities. (Parental permission has been gained for use of photographic material).