We Are Scientists – STEM Week 2020

Lesson: Science

Class: Class 1 Year: 2019 - 2020

STEM week 2020 has kicked off at St John’s. 

Monday – We welcomed Paul Holmes from ‘Hands on Science’. Children started science week with a talk about ‘What a scientist looks like’. We explored the different roles available to all in the STEM field and the skills needed for those roles. 

Key Stage 2 spent the morning learning about the Mars rover before taking control of their own model. Children looked at charging a capacitor to get the rover to a specific location. We learned about the forces and energy needed to complete our mission. 

Class 1 spent the morning also thinking about forces and created their own bottle rockets. 

After lunch – Class 1 and 2 examined camouflage. Children looked at a range of animals that use camouflage before creating a butterfly pattern and environment.

In the final session of the day, Class 2 looked at elements of the periodic table. Children looked at how the table is organised, before burning various elements to examine the flame they produce. Finally, a mystery substance was burned. Children had to use the knowledge gained in the session to work out the element used.

Tuesday – Class 1 went on a litter pick around our local area. Children examined the materials used and began to categorise them. Class 3 Designed and built seismographs.

Wednesday – Class 1 – Children conduced a maths investigation based on their litter pick. Class 2, 3 and 4 all conducted maths investigations looking at presenting data. Class 3 – tested and evaluated their seismographs. 

Thursday – All classes were visited by Richard Lock. Children examined chromatography. The application of science in everyday life and different STEM careers.

Friday – Class 3 and 4 took part in an electronics workshop.