Science Week 2024 is based around the theme ‘Time.’ As lots of children in Years 6, 7, and 8 were enjoying a ski trip to Alpe d’Huez in France, we created an exciting, bespoke timetable for the remaining children to enjoy many Science based activities. Years 3 to Year 5 enjoyed learning about different aspects of time, with a cross-curricular approach. 

Assembly on Monday was supported by Year 5 children who read out some very interesting facts about time and we blew our minds watching a video about our place in the universe, relative distances and the time it would take to travel to different planets. Later that day we welcomed Mike Shaw who is a keen Astronomer and Science teacher from Bootham School. He facilitated an interesting and interactive evening activity, creating a human timeline to show the beginnings of different life forms. The next day we enjoyed a fascinating talk about Time and then did a practical workshop in making a pendulum accurately measure time. 

Wednesday saw us visit the Great North Museum, where we learned about ancient woodlands, used microscopes, went into the Planetarium and did a treasure hunt to find different items in the various galleries. In English lessons, the children are focussing on science fiction work and writing about time - travel for a national competition!  

A group of Year 5 and 6 Scientists went to Sedbergh School on Thursday to take part in a forensic science, crime scene investigation challenge. After a day of examining fingerprints, using chromatography to identify the ink used in a letter, and doing a chemical test of powder residue, the culprit was identified and our Year 6 team were the winners! 

After more exciting lessons involving marble run challenges, clock making and making water clocks the activity on Friday afternoon was tree planting and dendrochronology! Science week finished with a poster making session on Saturday, to display all the different aspects of time we visited. The posters will be judged and the top 5 will be entered into the national competition against other participating schools. It has been a week of fun challenges and pushing our understanding of Time in a variety of ways.As Jim Rohn said ‘Life is not just the passing of time. Life is the collection of experiences and their intensity.’