Science: Unlocking potential

Dr Caroline Oprandi Keeping you up to date with science and technology at PACA

One of our teacher’s here, Mr Flynn, has developed connections with the homeless charity Crossover located on Preston Road, Brighton. The students have been busy digging over the outside raised beds at PACA, planting fruits and vegetables ready to donate to the charity’s street kitchen, affectionately named Kitty. The seeds were kindly donated by Bernie (our receptionist). This type of project is a great way to get the students to start thinking about methods of growing food and to make food production more cost effective. We will also be getting chickens at some point to add to the fun!

Furthermore, the students have set up their very own LEO’s Club, which will be sponsored by Brighton Lion’s. The Leo Club Program gives young people the opportunity to serve their communities and make a positive impact. Leo’s have started to volunteer on Saturdays at the Crossover charity shop. The Leo’s have been able to get a good essence of how the shop works, as well as, putting their entrepreneurial skills to use.

LEO Club Motto:
Leadership – Develop skills as a project organizer, time manager and team leader.
Experience – Learn how teamwork, cooperation and collaboration can bring exciting changes to your community and the world.
Opportunity – Make friends and feel the rewards of community service.
At the Crossover shop the LEO students have been making exclusive jewelry using a glass fusing technique.
We have also been having a lot of fun with Rasberry Pi’s here at PACA, which requires no growing of fruits or vegetables or baking! University of Sussex students held a workshop for parents and students demonstrating physical computing using Raspberry Pi computers, as well as Lego Mindstorm sets, Arduino’s and Makey-Makey kits. Parents this is coming your way…. so go Google!