Mearns Academy visit to the James Hutton Institute

Description

Pupils from Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk visited the James Hutton Institute to learn about the work that takes place there with a focus on aspects that were aligned to their curriculum including field trials. The pupils were S5 and 6 and have been participating in the Daffodil Project as part of their Higher and Advanced Higher Biology studies.

The visit comprised of tours, talks and activities. They were:
- Introduction to the James Hutton Institute by Dr Jonathan Griffin
- Sequencing Lab: Demonstration and talk by Dr Clare Macaulay
- STED Microscope Demonstration and talk by Dr Michael Porter
- Meiosis Demonstration and talk by Dr Isabelle Colas
- Root Imprinting Practical with the Bulgarelli Lab
- Talk on running field trials with Kirsty Binnie and James Grieves
- Tractor tour around the JHI fields with Andrew Christie’s team
- Talk by Dr Sheriar Hormuzdi on doing a Biological Sciences degree at the University of Dundee

Feedback gathered showed that the pupils enjoyed their visit especially visiting the sequencing lab, seeing the microscopes, lab tours in general and the tractor tour. An area to consider for future school visits is that they would have been keen to have more interactive elements.

Period	21 Mar 2025
Degree of Recognition	Regional