Science Events
Meet the Scientist
All classes from Reception to Year 6 enjoyed a visit from a famous scientist connected to their topics. Reception enjoyed stories on the science theme of life cycles. Class 1 learnt all about the life of Luis Pasteur. Class 2 enjoyed discovering all about Charles Darwin, whilst Class 3 were introduced to Albert Einstein. Class 4 were visited by Thomas Edison and learnt all about his fascinating discoveries. Class 5 were honoured by a visit from Nicolaus Corpernicus himself and Class 6 met the colourful character Sir Isaac Newton!
The children were able to learn about different areas of science and had a go at interviewing their new heroes.
Planetarium
Fagley Primary enjoyed a visit from Aurora Planetarium who delivered wonderful sessions to our children. Reception to Year 6 discovered all about the solar system and space beyond our small planet. In an immersive, theatrical environment, children listened and asked questions: learning about the past, present and future possibilities of space travel. Parents, carers and governors were then invited to participate in a special after school session.
Science Showcase
The science showcase was a huge hands-on science event. Parents, carers, volunteers, staff and children were invited into the school to attend the science fair. Teachers from each year group (EYFS through to Year 6) set up tables and displays to present the science learning of their class, along with interactive experiments for visitors to get involved with. Budding scientists from each year group spent the morning staffing their class display, to present and answer questions about the work they completed in class. Work displayed included: plants, the human body, living things and habitats, electricity, changing state, materials and light.
Science Committee
Members of the science committee and enthusiastic science learners from class 6, led science investigations set up down the centre of the hall and in the school's Pacer lab. Each child had a breakdown of the scientific skills being covered, the method and links to the curriculum, along with the scientific explanation of what was occurring on each table. Children practised conducting their activity and were responsible for answering and asking questions, cleaning up and resetting their investigations. Investigations covered included: maze magnets, making poo, balloon rockets, stomp rockets, X-ray sort, scent challenge, energy stick conductors, floating candle and break the circuit.
Science Assembly
The science lead held an hour-long science assembly to introduce the British Science Week theme ‘connections.’ We learnt about how connections can be made between the STEM subjects and how they are used in our everyday lives. Children found out how scientists use connections to solve crimes and loved watching the live experiments delivered by the science committee. It featured lots of hands-on, interactive science activities, videos, questions and answers. The committee was able to impress children with their scientific knowledge and clear explanations.
STEM Careers
Fagley Primary School wish to educate children about the thrilling variety of careers linked to STEM subjects. During science week, a strong emphasis is put on possible careers available. Classes cover a different STEM person and a different STEM career available each day. Children learn about the pathways to different careers and the skills required to reach these professions. Famous scientists are also embraced and children complete daily quizzes to build their recall of scientists and their famous discoveries.
STEM Webinars, Visits and Visitors
Classes took part in a STEM webinar to meet an astronaut. Children worked as space cadets and found out what it was like to be an astronaut. They discovered all about life in space and met Helen Sharman, the British chemist and cosmonaut who became the first British person in space.
KS2 took part in the annual Road to RIAT glider challenge. They had to design and build three gliders. The children used different designs for each glider to test which design worked best. The glider had to travel as far as possible in a straight line without rising or falling. They recorded the results of each test to see which of their gliders was the most successful. The challenge tested their team working and problem solving abilities. Children had to critically evaluate their designs and apply working scientific skills to test their finished gliders.
Teachers enjoy booking school trips and visitors which link to our science learning. Trips have included the National Science and Media Museum, the Deep and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Pacer Lab
Children from years 1 to 6 enjoy boarding the train to enjoy hands-on science investigations. Everyone is eager to visit the train and increase their enthusiasm and knowledge of science. Classes are timetabled to enjoy their own sessions, exploring STEM in our dedicated lab.