Science Success in National Competition

A group of Sixth Form Biology students have won first prize in a national competition advertising mascara using Science and Film. Catarina Machao, Chioma Ahunanya, Elaine Li, Sara Yasaee and Shaadi Manouchehri, from Y12, took part in the Wellcome Trust’s ‘Big Picture’ competition, in collaboration with three Science centres - the Glasgow Science Centre, Thinktank and Techniquest. Students had to research and produce an advertising video for a beauty product, highlighting the science behind its development. They chose mascara.

The activity was designed to increase students’ understanding and awareness of recent developments in biochemistry and the surrounding ethical, social and moral issues. Students were asked to consider their target audience and the ways in which advertisers try to appeal to this audience; they were also asked to explore the language used to describe the science behind the development of the product then examine these claims using evidence from scientific research.

Science Teacher Alaine Nabarro said, "The competition provided the students with a great opportunity and they did a great job of communication and presenting the science behind their product in their film. Congratulations to the five winners!" Student Elaine Li said, “We went into the competition without expecting anything, and it’s just nice to know that we’re getting recognition for our effort”.

They have secured a prize of £1,000 for the Science department which will go towards a number of cameras enabling a Science and Photography Club to start up. Check out the picture of the happy winners below.....