From Monday to Friday, we have been immersed in Science. The pupils had many opportunities to explore and engage in a range of activities. It was an absolute pleasure to hear pupils talking, being amazed and inspired by many topics of science.
We started the week by introducing this year’s theme ‘Connection’ during assembly. Our Science prefects were demonstrating experiments such as testing the strengths of eggs and the explosive exothermic reaction by making elephant toothpaste. We enjoyed learning about geology from Dr Panayi and, finding out why Sydenham is on a hill. Years 2 and 3 were fully engaged in the talk by fashion designer Mrs Lanz and her fascinating collection of natural materials and her experience travelling to Mongolia sourcing luxurious cashmere.
On Tuesday, our Pre-Prep classes explored how tractors are connected to space through the online session from NFU Education. Five pupils from Year 5 attended the annual GDST Science day at Royal Institution, which was packed with workshops and inspiring talks from female PhD researchers. We were lucky that all our Years 4, 5 and 6 were able to watch the live stream of the grand finale RI showcase from the lecture theatre.
Next, we hosted a Science Fair, welcoming many family members, while engaging in experiments to ignite science curiosity. It was fantastic to see so many parents to take this opportunity to celebrate science at Prep school. Year 6 pupils made us all so proud by helping to run the stalls and demonstrating exceptional Giraffe girls’ qualities.
There is no doubt that Mrs Mutiboko’s talk about clinical trials was captivating to our pupils and particularly helpful to our debating team in advance of their competition on Friday with their prepared debate about animal testing.
All pupils in Years 4 and 5 took part in science lessons connecting with the Senior School Chemistry department led by Mr Tan. The girls were using Bunsen burners for the first time and finding out about energy in food items. Even playtimes were immersed in science experiments such as coca cola mentos explosions and planting.
Throughout the week, during Design Technology lessons, pupils took part in a Lab Coat competition from Bayer company. The designs focused on the theme ’It’s Alive’ to celebrate the discovery of the double helix.
Professor O’Neill talked to the girls about the journey through his career and interesting research work. The pupils had a chance to make the DNA double helix.
Our feathered friends who received so much attention were certainly one of the highlights of the week!
– Mrs Duffy – Science Co-ordinator
