Shaping scientists of the future

Science Week:

During the science element of the Year Six carousel weeks, the pupils explored various scientific careers. They started by being an engineer for a day, using various resources to design and then build a marble run. The challenge was to make their marble run for the longest time! The children used different materials to provide friction in attempt to slow their marble down, but not so much so that it stopped! Funnels, obstacles and various tricks were also used by the children to achieve their aim. The winners of the 2023 Marble Challenge were announced in Celebration Assembly.

Another scientific career that the pupils tried for a day was that of an ecologist. They studied insects and how they are important indicators for the health of an environment. This became obvious to them once they used sweep nets and pooters to catch insects on a mowed lawn, followed by the same activity in a wild flower meadow. The difference in results was conclusive and No Mow May was something many children said they would definitely consider! Some children made model insects, which they used to create scientific keys and then, using stop motion animation, made them come alive!

Finally, for homework, the children were asked to think about their future and in particular their dream job, and write an essay explaining why they would like to do their dream job and how they might achieve it.