The children have been super scientists as they focused ‘The Great Outdoors’ as the theme for Science Week 2024. The classes have been exploring forces of nature including: plants, trees, growth, habitats and weather. They have been able to put our wonderful school grounds to good use (despite the wet weather) as they planned and completed a range of investigations which helped them to reach and articulate clear conclusions. The children then enjoyed demonstrating some of these experiments and sharing their results with parents and friends during the Science Exhibition held in school this afternoon. During this exhibition, the children were able to demonstrate how they work scientifically to plan and execute fair tests and draw scientific conclusions. As a result we have a school of very knowledgeable scientists! Thank you to all those who attended – I know you were all very impressed with the children’s knowledge about all aspects of nature and the outdoors.
Please see below for an overview on the work completed by each class:
The children in Class Reception have been busy observing and drawing the stick insects and snails currently living in the classroom. They found out lots of interesting information about different mini-beasts and enjoyed sharing what they learned during the science exhibition.
During Science Week, Class 1 had fun completing different investigations. The children hunted for mini-beasts on the field and in the wildlife area, and found lots of different creatures. Next, they found out about the four different ways in which animals camouflage themselves. This was followed by various experiments to find out how we can get mud out of clothes, and an investigation to find out how to make bubbles of different sizes.
Class 2 have thoroughly enjoyed investigating the outdoors during science week. They started the week by planting lettuces in our gardening patch and discovering different types of worms that lived in our wildlife area. They then investigated different leaves, completed a leaf identification task and used the leaves collected as well as bark, twigs and flowers to design and create their own 3D tree pictures.
Class 3 explored the ‘Great Outdoors’ by investigating what is under their feet and trying their hand at worm charming. They planted radish seeds and searched the grounds for pollinators. They even suggested planting flower gardens to attract more bees and butterflies. They studied the magnificent Maria Merian, a respected scientist from the 17th century and tried their hand at drawing scientifically in her style.
Class 4 have enjoyed learning about trees and have investigated which species has the largest leaf. They have also thought about how seeds are dispersed and tested spinners to see which would travel the furthest in the wind.
Year 5 started science week by researching scientists and conservationists Steve Irwin and Jane Goodall. They planted onions in the gardening area and created their own outdoor gym exercises using existing equipment. Wind direction and speed were investigated by applying the principles of fair testing using bubbles. The children then worked collaboratively to design and make rafts which were tested in a large outdoor water tank. Science week prompted scientific questions such as ‘Which raft design is the most effective?’ and ‘What is our mud made from?’
Year 6 enjoyed science week. The children completed a range of investigations including: how types of liquid affects plant growth; designing a raft to withstand different weights; and investigating potential and kinetic energy by testing their own catapults.
