The week beginning 8^th June 2015 was Science week. Our theme was ‘Let’s Get Real!’

During the week lots of visitors came in to talk to us about how science is used in their jobs and what inspired them when they were at school. Our aim was to inspire children to think about science beyond their weekly lessons, and see the wide range of careers that use science in one way or another.

Penguins and Pelicans were visited by Roma Patel, a local dentist. She taught us about how important it is to keep our mouths healthy. This included brushing not just our teeth, but our gums and tongue too!

 

Pelicans and Parrots ended the week with an attack on their senses! Heather a research scientist from Givaudan, came to visit and brought along lots of different ‘smells’. Children were taught the science behind smelling and given the opportunity to try to identify a range of nice, and not so nice, smells!

Robins and Ravens were treated to 4 visitors! Three of which were rather fluffy! Katie, a veterinary nurse from Barrow Vets came in with her dog Maisie and two rabbits, Maggie and Fiver. She showed us x-rays of different animals and taught us about how similar human skeletons are to lots of other animals. Children also got to listen and compare the heartbeats of humans, dogs and rabbits.

Flamingos and Eagles had a visit from Geoff Davies, Manager Director of an Ashford based Engineering firm. He talked about the use of science within the field of engineering, demonstrating some complex concepts using everyday items such as a basketball and tennis ball to explain Newton’s laws of motion! He also showed us some pictures of when science and engineering go wrong – the leaning tower of Pisa being a famous example!

The whole school also had a visit at the beginning of the week from Mr G and his amazing Astrodome! Lots of ‘Wows’, ‘Oooohs’ and ‘Aaaahs’ were uttered as children were treated to a virtual trip into space, zooming past the planets and millions of starts on their way. Key Stage 2 even landed on the moon!

Children and adults alike, were really enthusiastic about science week and we have some budding engineers, dentists and vets in the making here at Phoenix!

Some Comments from the week

Darush Year 1, following the visit from the dentist – “I learnt that you have to brush your teeth morning and afternoon.”

Jack Year R, showing what he learnt from the dentist – “Bad foods have lots of sugar. Your teeth will fall out.”

Aaliyah Year 5 talking about the Astrodome – “It was wicked! You could see all the starts. It was like actually being in space!”

Pagan Year 3 talking about her trip to space – “I liked it when the planets went closer – it was like we were moving towards it!”

Emily O Year 5 reflecting on space travel – “It was really cool!”

Parmida Year 3 thanking Katie for her visit – “My favourite things were when you let us listen to the dog and rabbit’s heart beats. Also when we saw the x-rays because I did not know that animals have similar bones to us.”