Science Circus
Farlington hosted a special Key Stage 1 Science Circus for Year 2 pupils on Thursday, 2nd and Friday, 3rd February. Children from Rudgwick Primary and Trafalgar Infants joined with Year 2 Farlington pupils to enjoy a feast of exciting “hands-on” science exploration, all linked to the new National Curriculum Guidelines.
The children had the opportunity to make “lava lamps” using vegetable oil, water and salt. This gave rise to a discussion about materials and their properties. An activity entitled “Amazing Hand Spans” was linked to ‘Life Processes and Living Things’ and resulted in each group producing a beautiful peacock using hand spans they had cut from coloured paper. The next work station gave thought to structures. There was a competition to build the tallest tower using spaghetti and marshmallows!
A giant African Snail and smaller juveniles were the central attraction at the next work area as pupils studied these interesting creatures. Using magnifying glasses and pen torches, the children were able to observe the snail’s tentacles, muscular foot and mouth while learning many interesting facts about these fascinating invertebrates. There was an opportunity for pupils to make a balancing acrobat and discuss the force of gravity on such a structure. The final activity took place in the Prep School’s ICT suite where the children enjoyed the thrill of using the Dataharvest Flowgo program. This involved devising a set of instructions to make a light bulb switch on and off. The children went on to produce a burglar alarm and lighthouse.
Pupils in Farlington’s Year 6 classes helped at each science activity and were great ambassadors for the School. Mrs Baggs commented on the value of “hands-on” exploration in the learning of scientific concepts, and was delighted with the way in which the children had responded to all of the activities on offer. A wonderful science circus of discovery was had by all!
 
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