Getting schoolchildren interested in science

Dr Ali Hill, course leader of Solent’s new BSc (Hons) Applied Human Nutrition course, has been appearing on website I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here for the past two weeks, answering the scientific questions of schoolchildren.

Scientists appearing on the website feature in their own ‘zone’, which includes a total of six experts in their field. Ali is appearing in the Food Zone, and has already been asked a range of questions, including whether or not we should eat other humans.

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday 19 June), one of the six scientists in every zone will be evicted per day, with votes coming in from the schools involved. The surviving scientist wins £500 to spend on research activities and helping the public.

If she won, Ali says: “I’d love to get kids from local schools into my batcave so they can find out how foods can make you better at sports. Something I’m looking at now is finding out if chilli can make you better at sports (if it makes you feel less pain).

Find out more about Ali by watching the video below, or checking out her profile on the I’m a Scientist website. And if you’re registered on the website, don’t forget to show her your support!

Some of Ali’s favourite questions so far have included:

My little sister ate a plum seed. Does that mean a bean stalk will grow inside her?

Ali’s answer 

Is it better to eat meat or be a vegetarian?

Ali’s answer