PP1 Visit the Science Museum

On Wednesday 9th November 2011, Pre-Prep 1 visited the Science Museum to learn more about the topic ‘Materials’ which they have been studying in class. After exploring the Space Exhibition and looking at how scientists adapted everyday objects on Earth for the conditions in Space, we went to watch ‘The Three Little Pigs’ show. The children enjoyed exploring the materials needed to build each of the pigs’ houses and were encouraged to use the correct scientific vocabulary to describe the bricks, twigs and straw, such as ‘brittle,’  ‘solid,’ and ‘flexible.’ We enjoyed watching the two actors act out the story, especially when the wolf kept jumping out and scaring us! Some of the children then acted out the story again and we concluded that the best material to build a house out of was bricks because they are strong, hard and waterproof.

After lunch, we went to the ‘Launchpad’. The children had a wonderful time exploring all the experiments and equipment on display. We watched a rocket blast off at 40mph using just air and water to propel it, and learnt about the different viscosities of liquids by turning tubes of liquid over and measuring how quickly the bubbles travelled through the liquid. Other favourites included forming iron filings into eye-catching patterns using a magnet and exploring how shadows are formed using a special camera. Lastly, Pre-Prep 1 went to  ‘The Garden’. This was a magical place where the children were free to explore and play. We enjoyed investigating the different pitch and timbre of tuned percussion, and enjoyed exploring objects that float and sink in the water area! The play leaders in The Garden encouraged the pupils to express themselves freely whilst directing their attention to the Science and Mathematics behind their play. Pre-Prep 1 had a brilliant day at the Science Museum and their knowledge of the properties of materials has been thoroughly consolidated.