Chemistry morning
Having made contact with St George’s primary School early in 2019, we found out that they had a Science week running and were very interested in having a lesson for Y5 pupils at SHS during this week. We immediately booked two minibuses so that we could move the students and teachers to and from SHS and laid our plans accordingly. We decided to highlight aspects of Chemistry that they would have no opportunity to do at their primary school and to make it visually and sonically exciting. Teachers, lab technicians and Y8 pupils worked with small groups of our visitors as they rotated through the various activities (using Bunsen burners, separating coloured mixtures, basic measuring and timing experiments, building chemical models and, of course, making coloured slime!). We deliberately ran it so their usual teachers were free to move about and support/teach/encourage their pupils, as well as take photographs too! We made them dress up in lab coats (slightly too large for some!) and everyone wore suitably-sized eye protection. The activities lasted about 75 minutes and after feedback we took the pupils downstairs to receive refreshments and have a necessary trip to the toilets! We then took them back in plenty of time for the end of their school day.
Aims
The aims were to give Year 5 students a taste of chemistry in a senior school setting and to complete activities that would not be possible in their own school setting.
The indentified need was to broaden the Year 5 students' science experience.
Background
SHS member of staff Tara Clarke's personal relationship with a member of staff from St George's Primary School. Through this she became aware of the Science Week, and initated the partnership activity.
This is the first year - it is hoped to become a yearly event to coincide with their Sceince Week.
Resources
The use of SHS chemistry laboratories, Lab technicians and equipment.
Both SHS teaching and non teaching staff (5 in total) were used for a total of 2 hours.
All resources and trnasport in minibus costs were absrobed by the Stamford High School Chemistry Department
Impact
No
Pupil Involvement
30 Year 5 pupils from St George's School (mixed).
Approx 20 pupils from SHS in Year 8 helped (female)
Frequency
Yearly.
Indefinite.