Growing Silver Crystals

Ever wondered how growing silver crystals would look like under the microscope?

Here is a sample - an animated gif made from photos taken this week during the Science lessons:

This is how genetics works :)

Why do we study Chemistry at school?

Do you think Chemistry is important? Just look around you and you will see loads of things that would not be there without Chemistry - from the paint on the wall of your room, to the soft drinks and snacks you grab on your evening out; from the fuels our cars use to the medicine that treats diseases; from the LCD to your phone, tablet or computer - all have parts that involve at least one chemical process in their production. The list could go on forever - but instead of compiling a long list, I'll let you watch a short video about it:

The Human Genome Project

Did you ever wonder how we get out characteristics? How are they coded in our DNA?

Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute. 3D animation by Bill Baker, 

Bakedmedia and Mike Fisher.

A longer documentary about the Human Genome Project:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgq-XoyorWY

y9 challenges for week 4-8 nov

In groups of 2 or 3 students, prepare a research project on one of the following topics:

1. The Human Genome Project - history, advances, uses, moral issues etc.

2. Fingerprints and DNA - can we rely on fingerprints to keep our data secure?

3. Genetic diseases - you can choose any genetic disease and present the causes, the effects, long term implications etc

4. Inbreeding - what are the problems that arise from inbreeding?

5. Hybrids - how do we get them and what is the difference between hybrids and normal species?

You can choose any suitable form of presenting your findings: research report, powerpoint presentation, prezi, poster, video etc.