GLOWING gherkins and indoor fireworks marked National Science Week at the Meridian School. Students at the school enjoyed a programme of events, which included cultivating growing gherkins and extracting DNA from kiwi fruit. Biology Teacher Becky Bradbur

GLOWING gherkins and indoor fireworks marked National Science Week at the Meridian School.

Students at the school enjoyed a programme of events, which included cultivating growing gherkins and extracting DNA from kiwi fruit.

Biology Teacher Becky Bradbury said: "The week has been all about promoting science to young people. We want them to realise there's more to it than what they see in their lessons."

On Wednesday year ten students were given a talk on biting insects by Dr James Logan, from the Rothamsted Research institute.

Miss Bradbury added: "Dr Logan commented that there was 'a real buzz about Science' at Meridian, which is a credit to the pupils and the teachers who gave up their lunch times to organise events."

As part of Science week, pupils were also invited to enter a national "Eggs Factor" competition, to see who could propel an egg furthest without breaking it.