SCIENTISTS of the future gathered at Priestley College to learn about green energy and sustainability.


The college welcomed 60 pupils from William Beamont, Sir Thomas Boteler and Bankfield School to its second science conference, sponsored by international chemical group Solvay.


The youngsters also learnt about their own carbon footprint, produced a bio-degradable plastic in the laboratory and built waterwheels as they discovered more about alternative forms of energy and sustainability.


Priestley tutor, Shahida Khanam, said: “Our aim is to inspire young people to study science in the future.”


Pupils enjoyed some fun experiments in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.


Bags of leeches, water fleas and dragonfly lava were delivered to Priestley in special packets so that pupils could investigate pond life in the confines of the laboratories.


Bradley Jones, Ciaran Fahey and Georgia Plant from Sir Thomas Boteler won the competition to build the most efficient waterwheel having put both their science and maths skills to the test.