Reception - Our sense of smell
This week, for our understanding of the world, we have been focusing on our noses and our sense of smell. We have talked about the important job our nose has in helping us to identify different things from the food we eat to the fresh scent of flowers. It also helps to keep us safe if we come across a bad smell, we know not to eat it. We discussed what smells nice and what smells horrible, and how sometimes we might feel differently about those smells. We then used our noses to smell a range of different tubs which contained familiar and unfamiliar smells.
Year 2 Science- Collecting Materials and Building a Microhabitat
Today in Science, Year 2 took a trip to Whitehall Park to gather natural materials for building a microhabitat. The children collected a wide range of items, including pinecones, bark, twigs, logs, grass, leaves, moss, stones, and rocks. Back at school, we combined these with bricks and cardboard to carefully construct a microhabitat designed to attract a variety of minibeasts. We’re hoping to welcome creatures such as worms, ladybirds, slugs, snails, ants, spiders, beetles, woodlice, and earwigs. Just as we were finishing, we were excited to spot our very first visitor—a ladybird! A fantastic team effort, Year 2!
Year 5 - Science
In science, Year 5 explored the chemical reaction between bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. This is an example of an irreversible reaction between an acid and an alkali that produces carbon dioxide.
Year 3- Science- Learning About UV Light and Sun Protection
Today, the Year 3 students became scientists as they carried out an investigation exploring the light that comes from the sun and how to stay safe in it. They tested the effect of sunlight on ultraviolet beads using different sun creams: SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, and no sun cream at all. Our buzzing scientists made predictions about what might happen to happen to the beads coated in sun cream and without. The investigation used ultraviolet (UV) beads, which are special beads that change colour when exposed to ultraviolet light. This makes them a great tool for demonstrating the effects of UV radiation, the type of light that can cause sunburn and skin damage. Sun cream contains chemicals that absorb or reflect UV radiation, preventing it from reaching the skin. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number indicates how well the sun cream protects against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. A higher SPF means greater protection. They then carefully recorded their observations, and thought scientifically about the results. They finally wrote conclusions explaining why it is important to use sun cream with a high SPF value to protect our skin. The higher the SPF value of the sun cream, the more effectively it blocks UV radiation. This visual and hands-on demonstration reinforces the importance of using sun cream with a high SPF to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. The experiment serves as a powerful reminder that UV rays are always present in sunlight and that protection is essential, even on cloudy days
Year 1 Science: Animal Diets
Today we became scientific poo detectives. We examined the poo of a lion, cow, bear, rabbit and wolf to decide if they are omnivores, carnivores or herbivores. For carnivores, we were looking to see if there was meat in the poo. For herbivores, we were looking to see if there were leaves in the poo. For omnivores, we were looking to see if there were leaves and meat in the poo. Year 1 correctly identified the animal diets.
Year 4 - Science: Researching Habitats
This week our Year 4 scientists were working scientifically by conducting research to answer questions about habitats. Each group was given a habitat and asked to use the National Geographic site to answer the following four questions: Which animals live there? Which plants live there? What is the climate like? What are the conditions? The children then used their group research to present their findings in their books.
Year 6 - Investigating Circuit Outputs
This week in Science, Year 6 experimented with circuit building. The children investigated the effects that adding multiple bulbs has on a simple circuit, observing how the brightness of the bulbs changed as more components were introduced. They worked collaboratively to test their predictions, identify patterns and draw conclusions about how electricity is shared within a circuit.
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Year 5 - Science
In science, we explored the three key components of the fire triangle - heat, oxygen and fuel. We considered the consequences of removing one of these elements and how this plays a role in fire safety. We discussed how combustion is an irreversible reaction where carbon and oxygen combine to produce carbon dioxide.
Reception: Muddy Monday
The children in Reception class had a fabulous first Muddy Monday session. They built dens, created bug houses and enjoyed making potions together. They showed super team work skills and their imaginations were running wild. Well done Reception!
Year 3- Science- Exploring materials which are reflective
Year 3 worked scientifically to explore which materials are good reflectors of light, using a variety of materials. Through their investigation, the scientist discovered that several materials are excellent reflectors. They learned that mirrors are highly reflective due to their smooth surface, which bounces light back in a predictable way. Metals like aluminum, copper, and silver were also identified as being highly reflective. They also looked at specialised materials like glass beads used in road markings and retroreflective materials found in safety gear, noting that these are designed to reflect light directly back to its source. They also discussed how some materials, like fluorescent materials and certain synthetic fabrics, are used to enhance visibility and safety, even if they reflect light differently. Overall, the children concluded that reflective materials have many benefits, from improving safety to creating interesting visual effects.
Year 6 - Electrical Circuits
Today Year 6 explored how to solve broken circuits. They investigated why a circuit might not work — checking for loose connections, missing components or incorrect placements. Working in groups, they tested their ideas, fixed the problems and discovered how electricity flows around a complete circuit. Once they had solved the issues, they successfully made their own working circuits using bulbs, motors and switches. This helped them understand how electrical systems work in real life and built their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Year 2- Minibeasts in Their Microhabitats
This afternoon in Science, Year 2 explored the definition of a microhabitat before heading out on a minibeast hunt around the school grounds. They were lucky enough to discover a wide variety of creatures! Under rocks and in the soil, they found woodlice, worms, slugs, snails, ants, and even a centipede. On tree bark, they spotted a caterpillar and some spiders, while in the flower beds they observed bees and ladybirds. Fantastic investigating, Year 2!