Year 1 Science: Absorbent or Waterproof
This week, we have learnt two new words: absorbent and waterproof. If something is absorbent, it will soak up water and if something is waterproof, water will not go inside the object and will drip off. In groups, we tested different objects made from a variety of materials to see if they are absorbent or waterproof. After that, we did a rainbow water test. We made 3 colours of water and used an absorbent tissue to dip into each cup. The tissue soaked up the water and changed colours, which was very exciting.
Mad Science Assembly-Going for Gold with Scientific Erica
Today, our students were treated to a spectacular, high-energy show by "Scientific Erica" from Mad Science. From Olympic-themed fire demonstrations to using gas to inflate giant balloons, the room was filled with "wow" moments and non-stop laughter. Under the expert supervision of Erica, a trained professional in chemical and fire safety, the children stepped into the role of scientists, making predictions and testing their theories in real-time. It was a memorable day that proved science is as much fun as it is educational! A special shout-out goes to our Science Ambassadors, who were a fantastic help throughout the event. Children in Years 1-4 have been given a letter with information about a Mad Science after school club next half term. It starts 13th April with new topics. Deadline date to register is 03.03.26. First come, first served. https://northengland.madscience.org/signin.aspx?successURL=%2fmyschedule
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Year 5 - Science
We continued our topic of Space by exploring why the Moon appears as different shapes and sizes in the night sky. The children revisited core concepts such as how the Earth rotates on its axis and how the Moon orbits the Earth. Combining these ideas with the light from the Sun, the children were able to understand how the different phases of the Moon emerge. We worked in groups to simulate the solar system using torches and table tennis balls, allowing children to see the phases in real time.
Year 3- Science- An Investigation into Igneous Rock Formation
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.
Year 5 - Growing Our Future
Year 5 visited Jacks Key to contribute to a new micro forest in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council Treescapes. Even though the weather was inclement and the ground was muddy, the children embraced the opportunity to get their hands dirty and plant our trees. It was also a great way to support our mental health and wellbeing for Children's Mental Health Week. We cannot wait to see how it grows!
Year 3’s Microforest Adventure- Planting Trees
Year 3 are thrilled that our school is partnering with Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire County Council Treescapes team to create a brand-new microforest. The children had an absolutely fantastic time getting stuck into the soil! The planting team were genuinely impressed by the children's impressive knowledge of local trees and birds. We have some truly talented budding ecologists in our midst. The students showed such care and dedication while planting, and they are already buzzing with excitement to return and watch "their" trees flourish over the coming years. A huge well done to Year 3 for being such incredible ambassadors for our environment and for leaving a lasting green legacy for our community!
Year 3- Learning from the Experts- Early Pancake Day
Today, we welcomed professional bakers into school for a special pancake-making workshop! By watching experts at work, the children gained a fantastic insight into the hospitality and culinary industries. It wasn’t just about the flipping and the toppings, though; the children learned that to be a great baker, you need to be a bit of a "subject superstar." They explored how Maths is essential for measuring ingredients and timing, how English helps with following recipes, and how Science is the secret behind the perfect batter. The children found the pancakes absolutely delicious! We hope today has inspired some big aspirations and future dreams in our budding chefs.
Year 4 - Science: Water Conservation
To wrap up our Spring 1 science unit, the Year 4 class were learning about the importance of water and how we can conserve it. They learned that they should be drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day and that it must be clean and pure for it to be drinkable. They found out some issues with leaving taps running unnecessarily and they discussed ways in which we can all conserve water. The children then worked in small groups to choose an issue and create a poster showing how to conserve water. The children will be presenting these in a whole school worship next half term.
Year 5 - Science
We discussed how the anti-clockwise rotation of the Earth causes the transition of the Sun across the sky, rising in the east and setting in the west. Then we used this knowledge to build a sundial, mimicking the Sun’s journey by using torches and using shadows to link the position of the sun to different times of day.
Year 4 - Science: Water Pollution
Our lively Year 4s relished the chance to become news readers in science this week. The children learned about different types of water pollution and how each type can have harmful effects on living things. Their task was to take the information they had learned and then work in groups to write a short report on an instance of water pollution and its effects. To finish, each group reported their water pollution news story to the rest of the class.
Year 5 - Science
In science we learned about how the Earth moves through space. It rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, which is tilted by 23 degrees, and orbits the sun once every 365.25 days. We modelled this movement using torches and balls to understand how day and night and the seasons are a result of these properties of our planet.
Reception: Muddy Monday
As part of the Ruby Robin Award, our Reception class participated in the "Craft and Care" challenge today. The children visited Whitehall Park to build bug houses using resources they collected themselves. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and creativity; we even saw some bugs starting to move into their new homes! Well done to our Reception class on a fabulous job.