HIGH school students discovered more about reducing their impact on the environment at a conference hosted by Warrington’s Priestley College.
International chemical group Solvay sponsored the event, which was attended by about 120 pupils from Bankfield School, Cardinal Newman and Sir Thomas Boteler.
Workshops and talks focused on green energy and sustainability and were designed to inspire future scientists and engineers.
Conference Organiser Shahida Khanam said: “The feedback from Year 10s has been excellent and they found it extremely motivational and inspirational.
“They particularly enjoyed the workshops, delivered by our teachers and valued the opportunity to meet the Solvay team.”
Among the challenges that were put to the students was building a working water turbine, calculating their own carbon footprint and making plastic from potato starch.
It was hoped the workshops would help the Year 10s develop a clearer understanding of the links between sciences, engineering, industry and commerce.
Len Sharpe, Solvay Interox managing director, said: “We are delighted to support this initiative by Priestley College. As both a local employer and a member of society, we are keen to encourage our future scientists.
“They will develop the solutions to the challenges which society faces today and ensure we are all able to enjoy our lifestyles in a sustainable way. I was impressed to see all the students participating so enthusiastically in the experiments and I think they will have taken a lot away from the day.”
Deputy principal Matthew Grant said: “We believe the first Solvay and Priestley conference has laid the foundations for many more opportunities for our local young people to explore just what it means to be working in the science and maths fields.”
Pictured: Students taking part in the different challenges that took place during the science day at Priestley College.
