--- title: "Year 3- Science- An Investigation into Igneous Rock Formation" url: "https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-02-23-year-3-science-an-investigation-into-igneous-rock-formation" 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! # Year 3- Science- An Investigation into Igneous Rock Formation ![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/images/news/activitymore-0CE46588-9BF2-4BB9-9F73-83A828DC0839.png) 23 February 2026 Today, the children stepped into the roles of geologists to explore the fiery origins of **igneous rocks**. We began by investigating how **magma** (molten rock) from beneath the Earth's surface transforms into solid rock through cooling and the formation of **crystals**. The class compared **intrusive igneous rocks**, which cool slowly underground to form large crystals, with **extrusive igneous rocks**, which cool rapidly on the surface. To see this in action, we conducted two "delicious" experiments: first, we poured a hot chocolate and coconut oil mixture over ice to mimic the instant cooling of **obsidian**, resulting in a smooth, glass-like finish. Next, we created "honeycomb" rock by adding bicarbonate of soda to a hot sugar syrup; as the mixture foamily solidified, it trapped gas bubbles inside, perfectly demonstrating the porous, lightweight texture of **pumice**. Through these hands-on models, the children successfully reported on how temperature and trapped gases dictate the appearance and physical properties of the rocks we see on Earth today. ![](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/images/news/activitymore-0CE46588-9BF2-4BB9-9F73-83A828DC0839.png) [Year 3](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/year-3) [Science](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/science) [![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/100x100c/news/IMG_3048.jpeg)](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-02-13-year-5-growing-our-future) Previous ### [Year 5 - Growing Our Future](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-02-13-year-5-growing-our-future) [![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/100x100c/news/activitymore-2F1AAE32-CFCA-4F2E-86F8-ADC403693F66.png)](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-02-24-mad-science-assembly-going-for-gold-with-scientific-erica) Next ### [Mad Science Assembly-Going for Gold with Scientific Erica](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-02-24-mad-science-assembly-going-for-gold-with-scientific-erica) ### 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/)