The Furness STEM show is a free two-day event for schools that is held during term time. The Furness Education & Skills Partnership organise the event which is held at Furness College, Barrow-in-Furness.

We attended the event with four different activities showcasing the breadth of the research undertaken in Biomedical and Life Sciences. The Immune System: Battling Bugs! activity gave children the opportunity to make a plasticine model of an antibody, virus or bacteria whilst learning about how the immune system provides protection against infection. This activity also promotes understanding about how vaccination works. The Wibbly Wobbly world of DNA aims to excite children about molecular biology; during this activity children extract DNA (the genetic information inside cells that provides instructions for how cells function) from strawberries. The Brainiacs activity provides children with the opportunity to learn about the anatomy of the brain. The Parasites in a box activity explains what a parasite is, how they are spread and how they cause disease. Activities include making a “what’s eating you” parasite fortune-teller and playing trypanosome top trumps.