BUDDING boffins from South Axholme Community School discovered the appliance of science during a recent visit to Drax Power Station.
A group of year 10 pupils visited the site, located near Goole, as part of their curriculum studies which tied in with those taking triple science GCSE subjects.
The aim was to observe biology, chemistry and physics being applied in the everyday o
perations of the power station.
Students learnt first hand about both CO2 and sulphur dioxide emissions, how they were managed and their subsequent impact, touching upon the biology syllabus.
The burning of coal using limestone revealed how smoke was cleaned - desulphurised - giving an insight into chemical aspects of the power station and the group also learnt about the making of waste products such as gypsum.
And energy proved the focus for studies into physics as pupils discovered how electricity was produced and energy was transferred with related issues such as efficency and energy loss also examined.
The trip also took in a tour of the nearby nature reserve, and Key Stage Four science teacher Paul Barton said pupils enjoyed the visit.
He added: "It helped them see how science is applied practically in the real world and it links in with the exams they will be sitting in March. It reinforces what they had already learnt in class."
