Pupils learn appliance of science at St Augustine's in Weymouth (From Dorset Echo)

Pupils learn appliance of science at St Augustine's in Weymouth

11:40am Monday 30th January 2012 in Class Action

APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE: A St Augustine’s Primary School class in front of the Explorer Dome

IT was all about the appliance of science when pupils at St Augustine’s in Weymouth learned all about how and why things work.

From building and exploding mini-volcanoes to finding out about ‘forces’ in an Explorer Dome, the primary school youngsters had lots to keep them occupied.

Jane Gardiner, head of Year 3 and the school’s science co-ordinator, said: “The children have been so enthusiastic and having the chance to take part in hands-on activities as a change from just sitting in a classroom really ups their motivation.

“They have been fascinated by what they have learned and are so enthusiastic about it. It has been a great way of consolidating what they already know.”

The highlights have included making small clay volcanoes which then ‘erupt’ using sodium bicarbonate, vinegar and washing-up liquid, and spending time in an Explorer Dome brought to the school by a company from Bristol.

The children were able to climb into the massive inflatable sphere, which was put up in the school hall, where they explored the powers of different forces including gravity, friction, magnetic fields and the impact of outer space.

Bea Roberts and Jim Bell from Bristol-based Explorer Dome travel the UK visiting schools and museums and helping explain the laws of physics and forces to schoolchildren. They also took part in the BBC’s recent Stargazing Live series.

Bea said: “It’s great fun visiting schools and doing this because the kids are so enthusiastic and excited and we get a real buzz when they ask us questions.”

Mrs Gardiner added: “It has been a very valuable week and great fun too.”