Highgate sixth formers are working towards a top scientific award, carrying out research that involves advanced scientific skills and data handling.
Joselyn and Thomas are undertaking separate projects each week, during their Tuesday Afternoon Activity (TAA) session. They are aiming to receive an award from CREST, a nationally-recognised scheme that inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.
Joselyn explains: ‘My research involves comparing the concentrations of protein in different milk powders to a standardised curve, which I established using known concentrations of albumen protein. I am using a Bradford reagent (which is normally only used in universities!) and that changes colour, depending on how much protein there is in the solution. I have found that this work has really helped me improve my graph and data analysis skills.’
As part of his project, Thomas has been researching which vegetables contain the most catalase, an important enzyme in our bodies. He says: ‘This TAA is a lot of fun and I have learned so much about what undertaking research is really like.’
Best of luck to both Joselyn and Thomas with their inspiring research! VG