At 2.30 pm on Friday, October 19, more than 80 children from The John Lyon School will attempt to set a Guinness record for the world’s largest memory game to celebrate Biology Week. By sitting a ten-minute memory test, which has been prepared by renowned experimental psychologist Professor Bruce Hood, the pupils will be contributing to a nationwide scientific study.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for students to further promote their biological studies, while competing in an event that goes well beyond the learning that would normally occur in the classroom. Records are not easily broken, however, our students have the skills to complete challenges and excel in scientifically significant events,’’ says Mr Rana, senior teacher (Academic) at The John Lyon School.

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, says: “This will be the climax of Biology Week, with schools, universities, and learned societies testing their memories simultaneously. We’ve been thrilled with the number of people who are keen to take part and we have high hopes for setting an impressive world record.”

Data from people of different ages taking part in the memory test will contribute to a scientific study. Alongside the attempt school pupils will learn about how our brains store memories (or at least convince us we have made accurate memories!). Anyone who is interested in how the brain works, from remembering how to make a cup of tea to falling in love with Justin Bieber, can watch the Society of Biology Brain Explorers video series.

Dr Downs says: “We hope the record attempt will highlight the importance of neuroscience research, especially into diseases like Alzheimer’s, which affects around 496,000 people in the UK and is projected to increase.”

The memory game is the last of a series of events being held to mark Biology Week, which runs from October 13-19 and aims to inspire the nation about the life sciences. Other events include a debate about whether we should save the panda, an awards ceremony for our photography competition, and a launch in the House of Commons.