Science

FreshSteps aims to ‘enthuse’ our pupils and open their minds to the breadth and depth of scientific learning. Whether pupils follow a scientific path or not, learning about Science and its huge influence on our daily lives will be important for their future. The application of scientific ideas and an appreciation of their impact on society are fundamental to our environment and in today's workforce and global markets.

We aim to encourage all of our pupils to become independent learners in readiness for their future. Lessons include both theoretical and practical work that provides our pupils with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and gives them the chance to apply their ideas, which will improve their ability to think and make deductions. 

In order to further support for our pupils, we have opportunities to experience Science outside the classroom. In the past we have organised short trips to museums, the zoo and other wildlife parks. We have had animal holding sessions and egg-hatching experiences.

FreshSteps has recently invested in brand new scientific workstations and equipment for our Science classroom. 

Pupils made oobleck using different food colours. They thought it was fun to see how the cornflour interacted with water. Cornflour has a very small, fine texture and when mixed with water, the starch particles suspend rather than dissolve. When oobleck is still or stirred slowly, the water surrounding each starch particle allows the mixture to flow smoothly.

Without friction, a bicycle cannot work. This is because there would be no grip on the road surface or pedals and no way to stop the wheels from going around. Ice-skating also demonstrates friction, with the edge of the blades as the centre of gravity. Air resistance or drag acts against gravity on falling objects and this is how parachutes work. A year 10 pupil demonstrate air resistance. He made the parachute with a carrier bag.

Microorganisms
Pupils enjoys their science lesson looking at several different microorganism. Microorganisms are tiny. They are so small they can only be seen with a microscope. Yeast is a helpful microorganism which makes bread rise. Bacteria is a microorganism which breaks down plants into nutrients. Microorganisms are also known as 'germs'. Harmful germs can make us unwell. Good hygiene will avoid spreading these germs. Use soap and hot water to wash your hands after preparing food or using the toilet. This will kill bacteria.

Pupils made a spaghetti and marshmallow tower during British Science Week. The spaghetti and marshmallow tower challenge are a fun exercise, it also offers profound insights into how to collaborate and succeed as a team.

Pupils enjoyed the burning of magnesium.

Almost all metals when burnt in the air, react with oxygen to produce their respective metal oxides. When the magnesium metal burns it reacts with oxygen found in the air to form Magnesium Oxide. The burning magnesium yields brilliant light and intense heat.