Forensic Science Is Fingerprint Fun
17 August 2010
Rebecca Edwards, Gerald Harvey, Louis Harvey and Georgina Day enjoy the Forensic Science day
Children in Allestree spent a day of their summer holidays learning all about fingerprint identification at a forensic science play scheme staffed by students from the University of Derby.
Twenty-one children, aged between seven and 11, spent the morning learning about how crimes can be solved using DNA and fingerprint analysis. They even got the chance to compare each others' prints at the session held at Portway Junior School on Monday August 9.
The 'Forensic Science' workshop is one of a programme of summer activities organised jointly by the University of Derby's Student Employment Agency and Derby City Council's Children and Young People's Directorate.
Students from the University run the lively sessions, giving children the chance to learn a little bit about some interesting subjects, such as French, circus skills or performing arts, while having great fun.
Twins Gerald and Louis Harvey, aged 8, learned that although their DNA is the same, their fingerprints can be used to tell them apart. While Georgina Day, aged 9, enjoyed making prints with paints. She said: "I really liked making fingerprints and looking at them closely to see the patterns. I'd like to be a Forensic Scientist because I like science and it looks cool on TV."
Running this session was Dan Handley, 21 from Burton upon Trent who is currently studying Criminology and Law (BA Hons) at the University of Derby, and Faaiza Asma, 23, a local graduate.
The Student Employment Agency is an established agency that provides University departments and external organisations with skilled and experienced student and non-student employees.
Rachel Day from the Agency said: "We're working with Derby City Council year-round to run holiday and after school clubs for children at locations around the city, and it's been a very successful partnership so far. Our students get some fantastic work experience and they can share some interesting subjects with the children in a really enthusiastic way."
Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "It's great to see the young people who attend these sessions getting so involved and excited. The classes could have a real influence over future career paths so it's encouraging to get such positive feedback."
There are still places remaining on a number of the two-hour summer holiday play schemes which run until Tuesday August 24. For information on this, or the after-school schemes, contact Rachel Day at The Student Employment Agency, University of Derby 01332 592026 or Tessa Dearmer at Derby City Council on 01332 716299.
For more information about this news release, contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988, or email j.colburn@derby.ac.uk
