16:00, 16 January 2025
| by Matthew Brown
Phallon Tullis-Joyce spent time at Stretford High School last month in the latest of a series of exciting science-based lessons she has delivered to students over the past year.
Not for the first time, the United Women goalkeeper visited the nearby Foundation partner school – Stretford students have gained knowledge and wisdom from three lessons delivered by Phallon last year.
On this occasion, the Reds’ no.91 – who is a marine biologist and a certified deep sea diver – devised an incredible ‘whodunnit’ style mystery, challenging students to identify which from a list of sea creatures would benefit from bioluminescent properties, which is the production of light by a living organism.
Young people learned about the different ecosystems in which each of the sea creatures reside, as well as their own individual characteristics, providing clues which allowed them to identify a chief suspect.
Phallon explained: “I know the students really wanted to learn about different marine animals, so we took them on a ‘whodunnit’ of who stole Alfred the Anglerfish’s missing lantern! The students did some incredible detective work to find out who would have wanted that bioluminescence.”
Student, Sebastian, said: “The true criminal of this bizarre crime was LePrawn James!
“We also looked at lots of wildlife and some of Phallon’s underwater adventures. It felt really special, the whole experience was really good.”
Using materials provided by Phallon, students also had the opportunity to create their own bouncy balls, and learn about the method behind by that process.
They also spoke with Phallon about some of her own experiences of exploring sea-life across the world.
Phallon delivers these sessions as part of the Foundation’s Eco Reds project, just one element of our Premier League Inspires programme. Eco Reds engages students with an existing interest in environment and sustainability and gives them the knowledge they need to help protect the planet.
“I love sharing some of that marine biology information,” Phallon continued. “I’ve had so many trainers, professors and teachers help me along the way, so I just want to give back and share the information I’ve been so gratefully given as well.
“It’s been incredible – it’s cool to have these students be so engaged learning about sustainability and our environment.”