Year 5 were lucky enough to visit the Genome Wellcome Campus in Saffron Walden to conclude the Malaise Fly Trap project. Over the past year, the scientists have visited us twice at school to set up a Malaise Fly Trap so we could investigate the biodiversity of the school field. On arrival, once we had all got over the sheer size and futuristic feeling of the campus, we made our way to the sports hall where we participated in a DNA game. Our next activity was a tour of the campus, waving at real life scientists (not all scientists wear white coats) and finding out more about the work that happens there. We learnt that the campus is 30 years old and within that time has grown from 80 employees to 2004! Our next activity was described as some of the children as inspiring; we went into a classroom and got to ask scientists any questions we wanted. We also saw the DNA codes for a  human, which spanned 72 books, each book having 700 pages! One of the best parts of the trip was when the screens moved, revealing a working laboratory behind. We could watch the scientists work, but they couldn't see us as it was a one way mirror. A few children did whisper they want to work in there one day!

After lunch we participated in our last activity: making a tree of life with artist Isobel Thomas. As we moved through the session we learnt that the DNA of a crocodile and bird are in fact very similar!

We made our way back to Leighton after a fantastic day, with some children inspired to be Scientists some day!