Exploring ‘Change and Adapt’ During British Science Week

This British Science Week, the children have been diving into the exciting theme of ‘Change and Adapt,’ exploring how things evolve and transform in the natural world. From learning about plant pigments to investigating the way sound travels, they have participated in a wide range of captivating scientific activities that encouraged hands-on exploration and discovery.

Year 3: the Formation of Rocks

The excitement was huge as Year 3 ventured out on a field trip to Wellington Rocks in Tunbridge Wells, where they explored the local geology. The children learned about the formation of rocks over time, how different types of rock have adapted to the forces of nature and how these geological changes have shaped the landscape over millions of years.

Year 4: Plant Chromatography and Photosynthesis

Year 4 embarked on an investigation into pigments capillary action by observing how water is absorbed through different types of paper. The children worked independently to design their own experiments, carefully controlling the variables to ensure a fair test. This activity helped them understand how plants use capillary action to transport water, which is essential for their survival.

Year 4 also focused on photosynthesis, conducting an experiment to explore how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis in pondweed. By counting the oxygen bubbles produced by the plant, they gathered data to see how changing light conditions influenced the plant’s ability to produce energy, deepening their understanding of the vital process that sustains life on Earth.

Year 5: Investigating Sound and Vibrations

Year 5 investigated how sound travels and how vibrations produce noise. Using tuning forks, they observed how vibrations in the metal forks created ripples in the air, producing sound. They also explored how sound can travel through solids, liquids and gases and how the properties of these materials influence the speed and volume of sound.

The children also explored the adaptability of sound, experimenting with different objects and environments to see how sound waves can change depending on the medium. Their investigation sparked curiosity about the physics behind sound and deepened their understanding of how we hear and perceive sound in everyday life.

Year 6: Reflexes, Reaction Times and Evolution

Year 6 began the week by considering their own survival reflexes and how they might react to different stimuli. This led to an investigation into reaction times and how shifting from left to right orientation may affect them. The children participated in a hands-on experiment, catching falling rulers to test their reaction speeds, documenting their findings to understand how our bodies adapt in response to physical stimuli.

In addition to reflexes, Year 6 delved into the fascinating world of mammal evolution, specifically studying the platypus. The students learned about the unique adaptations of this incredible creature, including its ability to secrete milk for its offspring and possess a venomous spur. To further explore these concepts, the children turned milk into casein plastic by adding acid to warm milk, which caused casein molecules to unfold and form long chains. These chains created a polymer, which the children moulded into various shapes and left to dry, creating their own homemade plastic.