Public Engagement in the Community:
Bottisham Guides Easter Camp

The focus of Babraham's Science & Society programme has been with schools, however, we are always keen to speak to new groups and increase the scope of our activities.

In 2007 we hosted the Bottisham Guides’ Easter Camp, which included an afternoon of science; the guides extracted their DNA and also learnt about the institute’s research into cardiovascular disease with an opportunity to dissect hearts provided by the local butcher.

Since 2007 we have continued to work with the Scout and Guide movement, for example, we organised a science evening at the institute for a local Brownie group. This enabled them to complete their science badge and involved experiments such as onion DNA extraction and chromatography using felt-tip pens.

We also arranged a local Scout group visit to the Institute in November 2010 which included launching air rockets and liquid nitrogen demonstrations. Local Beaver colonies have enjoyed learning about chromatography, fireworks and forces as part of their badge work programme over the last 3 years.