Resumen de Research science in schools: an insight into the student experience in biomedical science and particle physics

Dave Colthurst, Maddy Kent, Ruvimbo Mauchaza, Tharindi Senasinghe, Guy Sparkes, Filip Vasilijevic, Becky Parker, Ellerey Ireland, Saskia Jameson Bibb, Fleur Pomeroy, Anna Evans, Caitlin Cooke, Oleg Gorecan

• This article reveals the contribution that school students can make to the scientific community if there are opportunities for them to take part in authentic science research. Two very different research projects are outlined by two groups of students to give a taste of the biomedical research and particle physics research carried out at a state school in Kent. The school, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, has many girls in the sixth form and very high participation in STEM both in the sixth form and at university. The school is establishing the National Centre for Science and Engineering Research in Schools to support other schools in adopting this approach.

  Evidence from the school and partner schools shows that the approach is inspirational for students and teachers alike. Except for the introductions from the supporting teachers, the article is written by student researchers in year 13 for biomedical science and in year 12 for particle physics.