CHILDREN at Holy Trinity School had money to burn when they took part in a science learning day.

All 700 pupils from the Weymouth school enjoyed the day which saw them explode things, set fire to things and explore how different materials behave and feel.

One of the highlights was a visit from a science teacher from All Saints School who carried out some noisy experiments and then set fire to £5 notes, without damaging them.

Key Stage Two science co-ordinator Jane Franklin, who organised the day with her Key Stage One counterpart Hilary Davidson, said: “He soaked the notes in alcohol and then set fire to them but they were fine. We thought the parents might be worried about that one so we told the children it was an experiment that could only be done by people in white coats!”

Other experiments throughout the day saw children making rocket-propelled balloons using air as fuel, learning about changes in state, such as from liquid to gas, and trying out all sorts of experiments.

A popular choice was the erupting volcano that was sparked into life by using a clever mix of ingredients.

Even the youngest pupils got a look-in.

Reception classes learned how different materials felt and had great fun dipping their hands into ‘feely bags’ that contained jelly, sand and other squidgy substances.

Jane said: “The day was part of the curriculum and I thought it would be the ideal time to get the children thinking more about the world of science.”