Very sorry, as usual, for not posting too frequently. Lots going on and v little time to blog so to speak…
We went to London and saw this man:
Professor Lord Robert Winston
And we also went to the University of Greenwich to use their extremely expensive chemistry equipment – massive thanks to them!
A really amazing campus, great people and impressive labs
Another good website for you and this one’s awesome!
…is a site where users can log on and help researchers identify animals caught on camera traps over a massive area in Tanzania. You’ll be looking at pictures like this:
Or maybe this:
And telling the researchers what animals you think you’ve seen. It’s a bit like being on safari from the comfort of your sofa. I’ve spent a few hours already but I’m not too worried seeing as I know it’s productive! Get involved!
This morning the Environmental Activity Group gave a presentation to the whole school in chapel and it was superb! The message was all about looking after the planet and why what we do as a school/individuals matters. Here are two really great video clips that they used to illustrate their point:
They even managed to include a quiz, which was of course won by the boys… but it was close so well done to the girls also. They finished with this poignant quote from the legend that is David Attenborough:
“One of the things I don’t want to do is to look at my grandchildren and hear them say: “Grandfather, you knew it was happening – and you did nothing.”
Probably the most elegant piece of research I’ve seen in a while and a fantastic outcome:
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have used nerve cells from a dog’s nose to repair spinal damage and give the dog back use of its back legs! Jasper is looking healthy and doing well!
By Lee Daubney from National Geographic
Loads more great pictures on their site!
If watching the above video makes you feel strongly about the issues discussed then you may wish to sign the petition here.
It was bound to happen sooner or later but Lonesome George, the last remaining Pinta giant tortoise on the Galapagos islands, has died.
The last of his particular sub-species, George had spent at least 40 years without any pals of his own kind. And he died young, only reaching 100 years when other similar individuals can top 200! Very sad.
Here’s and amazing opportunity to make ecological history: Your chance to name a species…
Pocota personata. Photograph: Steve Falk
Just click on the link or the picture above to have a go at naming one of 10 newly discovered British species. Be sure to read the tips for naming and go for it! Just imagine having a whole species out there named by you!
Brilliant program on TV tonight: Unnatural History of London. All about the wildlife living in our capital city. Some amazing footage and really thought-provoking commentary.
Also – Good luck to the upper 6th formers taking unit 5 Chemistry tomorrow. It’s been a hard road for some of you but you’re nearly there. All the best for the future, whatever you end up doing!
Seems a bit unlikely I know. I found this great interactive guide to the deep ocean on the BBC site and decide that it was too good not to share…
MrE Science Blog 