Lancaster University staff and students have showcased the research undertaken in Biomedical and Life sciences at a STEM event for schoolchildren.

More than 900 children from 24 schools attended the Furness STEM show, organised by the Furness Education & Skills Partnership and held at Furness College in Barrow-in-Furness.

Staff and students from Biomedical Life Sciences in the Faculty of Health and Medicine attended the event with four different activities showcasing the breadth of the research undertaken:-

· The Immune System: Battling Bugs! activity gave children the opportunity to make a plasticine model of an antibody, virus or bacteria whilst learning about how the immune system provides protection against infection. This activity also promoted understanding about how vaccination works.

· The Wibbly Wobbly world of DNA aimed to excite children about molecular biology as children extracted DNA from strawberries.

· The Brainiacs activity provided children with the opportunity to learn about the anatomy of the brain.

· The Parasites in a box activity explains what a parasite is, how they are spread and how they cause disease.

STEM Project Lead Dr Lucy Jackson-Jones said: “Our aim was to showcase Bioscience topics to inspire the next generation of biologists to pursue future careers in STEM. We also aimed to engage with local communities and to strengthen and nurture our culture of engagement. Furness STEM show provides an opportunity to engage with Schools communities that would not normally have access to such biology focused outreach activities.”

The feedback from schools attending the event was positive.

Headteacher Anthony Costa, from Broughton-in-Furness C of E Primary School said: “I know Year 6 thoroughly enjoyed the event, as did I. We have been discussing smooth and wrinkled brains ever since.”

The show was organised by Furness Education & Skills Partnership to showcase skills and learning in science, technology, engineering and maths as part of British Science Week.