THE Black Death swept into Hassenbrook School in Stanford le Hope this week but it was all in the interest of Science!
The invasion of the plague which ravaged Europe during the Middle Ages was the theme of a day of microbiology run by the Science Department. Year Six pupils from two local primary schools participated as part of the Gifted and Talented Programme we run with partner schools.
Pupils used their scientific knowledge and skills to investigate the Black Death. They found out how the disease spread and what steps could be taken to destroy the viruses and bacteria. Activities included research of common diseases in our state of the art i-lab whilst observing samples of microbial growth and learning about how to stop the spread of disease. The final activity of the day required students to re-create artificial buboes and bruises on their arms and faces to demonstrate the effects of the plague on the body.
Mrs Bialek, 2 i/c Science at Hassenbrook School, ‘This was a great day of scientific fun with some very detailed scientific and historical learning involved. We were delighted at the way the year six pupils shone at science in this stimulating activity which is part of our commitment to the community, an integral part of our Technology College status.’
The two primary schools involved were: Stanford-le-Hope Primary School and Abbots Hall Primary School.
