Busy Time for STEM
We have had a busy time in recent weeks with STEM activities that have either taken place or are scheduled for Year 10 and Year 7 students.
A group comprising a total of 64 students in Year 10 spent a morning learning about geodesic domes and examples of where they can be found: the most famous examples are the domes at the Eden Project. In teams the students then had to follow a set of instructions to construct their own geodesic dome. To be successful the students needed to read and follow a set of instructions, communicate well with their fellow team members and to show resilience if they hit problems in the construction of their dome. All these skills are important in our everyday lives in school, at home, playing sport or at work.
Four Year 7 students attended a fantastic day of chemistry at a one day Salter’s Chemistry Camp on 9th May. The students worked brilliantly well as a team as they tried to solve a mystery of a stolen trophy and then to make a chemical reaction happen at exactly the same time as the “bongs” of Big Ben. The students were Alana Boughton-Reynolds, Jack Jennings, Bianca Manolache and Isiah Tayag and their comments on the day included:
- “I enjoyed going to Salter’s because the challenges we got (the Salter’s challenge and the University challenge) were difficult but we got through them well. Even though we didn’t get any prizes we still really enjoyed ourselves.”
- “The best part was the demonstration where they made mango or lemon sorbet using liquid nitrogen. They gave it out to everyone along with cookies. It was fantastic! One of the best sorbets I have ever tasted.”
Two classes in Year 10 will be involved in an Enterprising Science event on Monday 21st June. They will have the chance to think about their perceptions of science in the work place and of scientists, identify their employability skills, meet a STEM ambassador and work out what he/she does for a living.
Ms Whitehead
