STEM Month, Week 1: Science
The opening week of STEM month fell to Science. Mr Middleton decided that the focus should be on scientific skills in particularly scientific drawing. The aim of the week was to engage children of all ages in science and understand that they could be scientists too.
Mr Middleton led assemblies during the week. In Key Stage 1 he spoke with the children about what they enjoy about science and why it excites them. A particular focus was placed upon Eugene Clark, a marine biologist whose love of sharks led to her becoming a world expert on the very misunderstood creatures. In Key Stage 2 looking at how taking part in science can lead to a wide variety of jobs. These included product designers, sound engineers, architects and engineers. He also showed the children how valuable having a science background can be in trying to get a job.
Every lunchtime, Mr Middleton brought a variety of objects out onto the playground for the children to use to hone their scientific drawing skills. There were real-life fossils and crystals as well as scientific pictures of a wide variety of insects. Children across the school were drawn to the objects and produced some incredibly accurate scientific drawings. Children in Reception seemed particularly fascinated by dung beetles and scorpions, whereas some of the children in Upper Key Stage 2 were amazed by the fossils Mr Middleton had provided.
Lastly, optional home learning challenges were set for children who wanted to improve their practical science skills. If you want to have a go yourself please follow the links below for inspiration.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g32176446/science-experiments-for-kids/
https://www.weareteachers.com/easy-science-experiments/
https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/here-are-two-weeks-worth-of-fun-and-easy-science-experiments/
Key questions:
- What did you observe (see, hear, smell, touch)?
- What is happening? Can you explain it
- Why is it happening?
