CHELMSFORD: Pupils turn into forensic scientists

By pdent-jones

PUPILS turned crime scene investigators for the day when they were asked to solve a 'murder'.

The 10 and 11-year-olds learned the rudiments of forensics during an exciting chemistry lesson held at Chelmsford County High School for Girls.

They had to solve the mystery of a man in the fictitious town of Chalkwell by analysing salts from the victim and five suspects.

The salt samples were tested by holding them in a flame and comparing their colours with known samples.

They mixed them with other chemicals to identify other links.

The 72 pupils from 15 local primary schools also enjoyed a hands-on biology lesson on the theme of 'it's a small world', and an insight into physics when they had to make two different types of thermometer and use them to determine the temperature of a Bunsen flame.

The day, which was organised with the help of Chelmsford County High prefects Amy Moss and Sophie Ambepitiya, was part of the first of a year-long programme which is being run by the grammar school for gifted and talented Year 6 pupils in their final year of junior school.

The pupils have been chosen by their primary schools to follow the programme, which began in May.

They regularly attend the grammar school for maths and English lessons which are pitched at levels six and seven – far beyond the remit of the primary school curriculum.

They have also been invited to three themed days introducing the pupils to secondary school subjects. This one was the third; previously the school has run technology and modern languages days.

Angelica Sadler, a pupil at Newlands Spring Primary School, said: "I love it when it's my day to come to Chelmsford County High.

"I had never used Bunsen burners and microscopes before. It has been a very exciting and fun day. The work makes me think quite hard but I really enjoy it."

Susannah Edom-Baker, head teacher at Newlands Spring Primary, said: "All the children involved in the science day had a great time and have been very excited to use the science labs. They enjoyed tuition from science specialists."