The Biology Exploration Club has returned

The Biology Exploration Club has returned in full swing this academic year, offering exciting new opportunities to stretch and challenge our budding biologists. Now open to all year groups, the club continues to be led by two enthusiastic A-level students, under the expert supervision of Mrs Watson and Mrs Szulc.

Our first session of the year saw students embark on a fascinating dissection of an eyeball. This hands-on exploration allowed them to identify the optic nerve and examine the structure of the eye, including the lens. In a captivating demonstration, the magnifying power of the lens was revealed by using it to enlarge newspaper print.

Next, students ventured into the world of DNA extraction. Using ripe strawberries and kiwifruit, which are rich in enzymes like pectinases and cellulases, the students were able to break down cell walls and isolate DNA. Strawberries, with their eight copies of each chromosome (octoploid), and kiwifruit, with six (hexaploid), provided an abundance of genetic material for students to explore.

Building on this, the following week involved extracting cheek cells using a swab, which were then stained with methylene blue to ensure clear contrast under the microscope. Students were thrilled to observe the nucleus of each cell and the chromatin inside. The exploration continued with root tip squashes, allowing students to view actively dividing cells and identify chromosomes during the various stages of mitosis.

One of the most exciting moments came when we investigated predator-prey interactions between Hydra and Daphnia. Using binocular microscopes, students were able to witness Hydra capturing and consuming Daphnia, employing their tentacles and specialised nematocysts to paralyse and devour their prey. This dynamic interaction was even captured on film, much to the delight of all involved.

Our final session of the half term focused on dissecting mackerel gills, highly vascularised structures designed to maximise oxygen extraction in aquatic environments. Students also had the opportunity to extend their exploration by examining the fish's digestive tract, skeletal system, and, for the most ambitious, the challenge of isolating the fish's heart.

We were also delighted to welcome back our resident Biology Exploration Club artist, KC, who beautifully captured the essence of these activities in ink. Her work, which features prominently in our advertising posters, perfectly showcases her talent, especially her representation of the fish dissection session.

Looking ahead, the next half term promises even more exciting explorations, with plans for cauliflower cloning, microbiology experiments, and much more!