Science Enrichment, Personal Development & Well-being

Science Capital at Fens

Science capital is concerned with the pupil’s exposure to science beyond the classroom and with us, as teachers, noticing what scientific experiences children bring to school. We aim to build a rich environment in which children can develop and share their science capital. Trips to a variety of sites and visitors to school form a vital part of our children’s scientific experience. Our extensive school grounds offer the chance for investigations to be carried out, including the growing of plants in the school allotment and observing seasonal changes and local wildlife in our wild life garden. Our annual science week, parental showcase sessions and science competitions are further ways in which we encourage pupils to see science beyond the curriculum.

 

Science Ambassadors

Our Science Ambassadors have been working hard to design and create posters to illustrate our Science Principals to share with their classes.

Science Club

Our Science Ambassadors enjoyed their first after-school Science Club! As we were dressed up for World Book Day, we read the story Room on the Broom and then created potions for the witch.

The children tested different ingredients, mixed colours, and explored what would happen when materials were combined. There was lots of excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of magical science too! A fantastic start to our Science Club – we can’t wait for the next session.

In Week 2 of Science Club, we read The Gruffalo’s Child and learned all about shadows. We talked about what a shadow is and how it is made when light is blocked.

Our Science Ambassadors had lots of fun making shadow puppets using characters from the story. Afterwards, we went to the Bousfield Suite to carry out an investigation. We tested a range of different materials to see which ones produced the best shadows. We learned some new science words: transparent (lets light through), translucent (lets some light through), and opaque (blocks the light).

Our conclusion was that opaque materials make the best, darkest shadows!

Eco Warriors

Our Eco-Warriors enjoyed a visit to J&B Recycling Centre. The children had the chance to walk around the plant observing the heavy machinery in action, separating all of the different materials that go in our recycling bins. The children learned how this process happens and how effective recycling benefits our environment.

Bird Watch

Our School Council children enjoyed creating bird feeders for School Bird Watch. They used kitchen roll holders, honey and birdseed to hopefully entice different species of birds into our Wildlife Garden.

The following week, when the rain finally subsided, our School Council children completed the RSPB Big Schools' Birdwatch! They were all fantastic role models when walking around both playgrounds and the Wildlife Garden. The children got to see the remains of the bird feeders they made- which have been thoroughly enjoyed by the visitors!

We have submitted our results and all children will receive their certificate in assembly.

Aspire2Be - Science

Aspire2Be - Hartlepool College Science Workshop

Our Y6 children had a blast at Hartlepool Sixth Form College this morning during their science-themed Aspire2Be visit.

They enjoyed a brief tour of the college and a fantastic Science Show!

Thank you for hosting, Hartlepool Sixth Form College

Aspire2Be - Peter Nutsford, Wildlife Photographer

Today, we had a terrific visitor in school, Peter Nutsford. Peter spends long periods of time living in Africa photographing some of the amazing wildlife and landscapes.

Our Year 1, year 2, year 4 and year 5 children had the privilege of spending time with Peter, listening to his captivating stories on subjects ranging from Kenya's amazing herbivores and carnivores, the Nyiragongo volcano and mountain gorillas through to the rainforests of Borneo.

A huge thank you to Peter for coming in and fascinating our children (and staff) with his knowledge and tales of Africa.

Aspire2Be - Former Fens Pupil, Harvey - NHS physiotherapist

We were delighted to welcome Harvey (a former Fens Primary pupil) for his second visit into school to work with our Year 4 children. As an NHS physiotherapist, he gave us all an insight into his profession and organised a range of fun activities for us to complete, that were linked to the role of a physiotherapist. An afternoon of fun and learning was had by all.

Aspire2Be - Paula McMahon - Sir Robert McAlpine Civil Engineering

It was great to welcome Paula McMahon back into school for her fourth visit with us. Paula, from Sir Robert McAlpine, worked with our Year 1 children and they enjoyed learning about her role as a civil engineer through story telling.

Her books are aimed at inspiring and encouraging young girls (and boys) in engineering and STEM subjects.

Aspire2Be - Hayley and Sian - NHS Radiography

It was wonderful to welcome Hayley and Sian, NHS Radiographers, into school yesterday. This is Hayley's third year generously volunteering and visiting our children.

Year 5 were really enthused by their passion and energy for their roles in the NHS. The afternoon was packed full of discussion and activities that allowed our children to develop and showcase their science knowledge and link their curriculum learning to this exciting career path.

An inspiring afternoon for our children. 'If you can't see it, you can't be it'.