Science

Throughout the School it has been a busy term of Science, both in the classrooms and labs and also using the grounds to put theoretical learning into practice. Senior Department scientists have been busy with some fabulous hands on learning in the labs this term. Year 6 have been exploring and investigating absorbency and diffusion, and also working on their accuracy in collecting and recording results of experiments; Year 7 have been experimenting with the extension of springs and furthering their knowledge of density - Science and Maths definitely collided when they learnt how to calculate the density of different shaped objects Top Form thoroughly enjoyed the colourful reactions of zinc and sulphur, and have also been studying respiration, and in particular, how exercise impacts our breathing rate.

In the Middle Department, Year 5’s Science topic went off with a bang (or rather a push, a pull and a twist) as the children start to investigate forces and their effects. Most of our science lessons are based in the labs and the hands on nature of the learning makes for an exciting year.. A highlight was certainly the Jelly Investigation: pupils once again donned disposable aprons, rolled up their sleeves and pitted their chopstick skills against one another as they have battled to move cubes of jelly from one plate to another, while being thwarted by the stickiness and friction! It is always very special hearing the pupils making connections and sharing their understanding of the wider world. All of the Year 5 pupils have enjoyed an exciting term in the labs and, as we brought our study of forces to a close with some investigations into magnetism, we look forward to our topics of light and sound next term.

Year 4 have been learning about the major organs of the human body. Using the wonders of modern technology, children used augmented reality to ‘view’ inside each other’s bodies. Children could locate, zoom in and even dissect various organs (virtually, of course!) through the use of specially coded t-shirts and an iPad.

They have also been testing their measuring skills while collecting data for their investigation into arm lengths. Children discussed the concept of fair testing and the importance of accurate measuring. Having studied the human skeleton, Year 4 undertook an investigation to see what we could learn by collecting data on arm lengths. Do boys have longer arms than girls? Does being older mean you’ll have longer arm bones? With the data safely recorded, children were taught how to graph the data to help spot patterns. Presenting the data did help answers our questions but also helped guide discussions around the importance of having a large sample and diverse range of date to make accurate and truly scientific findings. Year 3 used string to great effect and hilarity to demonstrate how light travels when it is reflected off a mirror. Great hands-on learning and a really memorable lesson! Year 2 dived into new Science topic of materials with an ‘ignite’ session where we made sensible predictions of what could be inside a range of test tubes and boxes! Other activities included a materials hunt - including a visit to the Science Lab - and beginning to think about why different materials are suited to their use. As a culmination of their work on materials, the children investigated the most suitable material to make a waterproof umbrella for a gingerbread man. They made careful predictions and then tested different materials; they then picked the best material for the gingerbread man’s umbrella. Using careful observation skills, they recorded each stage of the investigation using our scientific vocabulary including absorbent, flexible, disintegrate and tough. The final umbrella was tested and if the gingerbread man survived he was eaten!

Year 1 pupils have been learning all about their senses, and have discovered all five of them! They started by focussing on their sense of taste and enjoying trying a range of fruits. Everyone thought carefully about the taste and texture of each one, and then discussed favourites – apple and watermelon were the clear winners across the year group. They then moved onto investigating light sources and reflection. They focused on the skill of predicting, based on what they have already learnt. Pupils chose different materials for their investigation, and used torches to see which materials reflected light, then compared the results to their earlier predictions. To make sure the investigation was accurate, pupils set up the ‘dark den’ in the classroom., and once the investigation was complete, decided that the shiny, gold paper was the most reflective.

How wonderful to return after the Summer Holidays to our spectacular newly refurbished DT Workshop! It has been the setting for lots of creative endeavours from Year 4 to Top Form this term... Top Form have been combining traditional woodwork techniques with CAD design to create these RGB LED desk lanterns.

Year 7 have been working on architectural modelling using mixed materials and a range of construction techniques, including 3D printing and lasercut pieces. They used AI image generation to create inspiration for new types of architectural styles.

Year 6 have been working on the tricky subject of moving mechanisms, learning about cranks, cams and linkages. They built a mythical creature that flapped its wings via a crank mechanism.

Year 4 have been working on 3D card construction techniques by building their own miniature buildings. After just a few lessons of technique, their imagination took over as to what was possible and some amazing designs resulted!