--- title: "Whole School Science Boffin Show- A Whirlwind of Scientific Wonders" url: "https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2025-04-01-whole-school-science-boffin-show-a-whirlwind-of-scientific-wonders" school: "St Barnabas Primary School, A Church of England Academy" --- We are holding a number of open days for children due to start primary school in September 2027. Please see our admissions page for further details. Everyone welcome! # Whole School Science Boffin Show- A Whirlwind of Scientific Wonders ![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/images/news/activitymore-3625DA02-31B3-43AE-A19F-5DB95556C7A9_(2).png) 1 April 2025 The whole school was treated to an unforgettable science show today, delivered by the amazing Science Boffin Katja. Katja started with demonstrating the incredible power of polymers with slush powder, turning liquid into gel. The highlight for many was the "Elephant Toothpaste" experiment, which created a mountain of foam in seconds! This spectacular display showcased an exothermic reaction in a way that truly captured everyone's attention. Katja also explained the essential Fire Triangle (fuel, heat, and oxygen) and demonstrated a controlled fire experiment, teaching us about the science behind combustion. The wonders of air pressure and fluid dynamics were unveiled with a mesmerising demonstration using a hairdryer, balloons, and a foam ball. By generating a powerful column of air, Katja made the objects appear to float, illustrating Bernoulli's principle and leaving students amazed. Naomi, our science Ambassador assisted Katja with this. The latex glove was used in more than one experiment, and was used to show how gases expand. Katja, with Miss Wilkinson's assistance, demonstrated the dramatic effects of gas production using a simple latex glove. As the chemical reaction progressed, the increasing carbon dioxide within the glove caused a noticeable pressure build-up, inflating it and making it firm to the touch. Latex, being inherently limited in its ability to withstand extreme pressure, would stretch beyond its elastic capacity. This continuous stretching, coupled with the weakening effects of the reaction's byproducts and moisture, would eventually lead to the glove becoming brittle and 'crumbling,' visually illustrating the material's breakdown under the stress of the expanding gas.Now, 'Henry' the glove has taken up residence in our school. Science ambassador Noah and Poppy, with a gas blower, demonstrated a captivating toilet roll trick, visually illustrating Bernoulli's principle; by directing a powerful airflow through the center of the suspended toilet roll, they created a region of low pressure, causing the surrounding higher-pressure air to stabilize the roll within the airstream, leaving the children amazed at how the roll appeared to defy gravity. The show sparked a flurry of brilliant questions from our inquisitive students, including Leonora, Elijah, Mason, and Darcy. Their thoughtful inquiries were a testament to their genuine love of learning and the power of hands-on science, truly living life in all its fullness through exploration and discovery. A huge thank you to Science Boffin Katja for bringing science to life in such an engaging and memorable way! ![](https://st-barnabas-primary-school.schudio.com/images/news/activitymore-3625DA02-31B3-43AE-A19F-5DB95556C7A9_(2).png) [Reception](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/reception) [Year 1](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-1) [Year 2](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-2) [Year 3](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-3) [Year 4](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-4) [Year 5](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-5) [Year 6](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-6) [Science](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/science) [Enrichment](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/enrichment) [Spirituality](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/spirituality) [![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/100x100c/news/08EFCFEC-F522-4FAC-9244-14264ADCDD7B.jpeg)](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2025-04-01-year-5-english-the-invention-of-hugo-cabret) Previous ### [Year 5 English - “The Invention of Hugo Cabret”](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2025-04-01-year-5-english-the-invention-of-hugo-cabret) [![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/100x100c/news/Soft_Colored_March_Vegetables_Minimalist_Instagram_Post-2.png)](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2025-04-01-whitehall-park-table-top-sale) Next ### [Whitehall Park Table Top Sale ](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2025-04-01-whitehall-park-table-top-sale) ### Personal Development - [News](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news) - [Events](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/events) - [Photo Gallery](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/photo-gallery-category/our-gallery) - [Calendar](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/calendar) - [School Council](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/school-council) - [Attendance](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/attendance) - [Fundraising](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/fundraising) - [Extra Curricular Clubs](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/clubs) - [Little Leaders](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/little-leaders) - [Visits and Visitors](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/visits-and-visitors) - [British Values](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/british-values) - [Protected Characteristics](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/protected-characteristics) ##### Location Knowlesly Road Darwen Lancashire BB3 2JA ##### Contact Us 01254 702996 ##### Stay Connected - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stbarnabasce/) - [X](https://twitter.com/stbarnabasce) © Copyright 2021–2026 St Barnabas Primary School, A Church of England Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)