Science outreach goes multilingual
Supported by our inclusion and diversity fund, researchers from the University of Manchester engaged 80 youngsters with some multilingual science outreach sessions at schools in the Manchester area.
Working with Multilingual Manchester, a scheme based at the university that promotes awareness of language diversity, biotechnology researcher Nick Weise coordinated two workshops with volunteers from his research institute. The activities are part of Multilingual Manchester's wider programme, the Supplementary School Support Platform, which seeks to support local community-run schools who promote language heritage and skills. Nick tells us of their experiences running science workshops at Al-Manar Arabic School in Burnage, and the Hellenic School of Manchester in Salford.
Al-Manar Arabic School, Burnage
The Al-Manar Arabic School is a community-led initiative run on the site of Burnage Academy in South Manchester. On 21 May Dr Hanan Messiha, a researcher from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, who is originally from Egypt, visited the school. She gave two one-hour sessions, starting each with an introduction to the University of Manchester and scientific research.
To demonstrate her own research topic of enzymology, Dr Messiha and I performed three enzyme experiments resulting in visual changes and showed the classes how to extract DNA from a strawberry. The children then participated by making their own DNA bracelets to take home with them and having a catalysis competition to see who in the group was the fastest enzyme to convert substrate to product. The sessions ended with general question and answer sessions. The first session was conducted entirely in Arabic whilst the second session, which contained some students who were less fluent, was given in a mixture of Arabic and English, for clarity.
Feedback on the day was really positive, with some quotes from the students below:
“I really enjoyed this session and when Hanan spoke in Arabic it helped me understand easier. I would really like for Manchester University to come in again and do experiments.”
“I really enjoyed the session because I really like Arabic and science so this session has inspired me to do even more.”
“I really liked the science lesson and learnt a lot, it was nice linking my Arabic skills with science and I would love to do this lesson again. Thank you!”.
Hellenic School of Manchester, Salford
Our next visit was to a supplementary language school on the site of the Greek Orthodox Church in North Manchester. In this case the volunteer was Dr Konstantina Drosou, also from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology who works in the field of biomolecular archaeology. Again two sessions were organised – one for younger children and another for teenagers – and both were given in Greek, with English used to clarify scientific words the children might have learnt in school.
Dr Drosou began each session with a short presentation about the chemistry of DNA: where it is found and what its structure is. This was followed by an interactive activity where the children were able to make their own double-helix DNA with pipe cleaners and beads.
Dr Drosou then presented about her work on human remains, which the children then tried themselves by dressing in full body protective gear from the lab and examining model skulls. The sessions ended with a look at the Greek origins of many of the scientific words used in English.
The students said:
“I enjoyed the session, it was very interesting learning about DNA in Greek. I want to thank the people from the university to come here and teach us interesting things about DNA that I did not know before.”
“Today I learnt a new word, it is cell in Greek: κύτταρο. I enjoyed making different DNA – straight and circular. We looked at a human skull; we magnified it and took it apart. I had a great time!”
“Today I learnt a lot of things. I learnt new words and A LOT about the DNA. I enjoyed the lesson very much especially making the DNA. I had an amazing experience. I liked looking for DNA in a skeleton’s head and measuring it with all the cool equipment.”
“I enjoyed the session. It was interesting because I’ve never been taught science in Greek before. The activities were really fun! I thank the people who came to teach us today.”
Press office
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 20 7440 3351
- Email:
- Send us an email
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted through our online application system. Applicants are encouraged to read the application guidelines before completing the online application form.
Diversity team
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 1223 432203
- Email:
- Send us an email
Tell us your story
If you've been involved in an event or activity, or just have an interesting story to tell, we want to hear from you! Please get in touch with us by email.