YOUNGSTERS at a Derby special school blasted off from their normal timetable when they worked out what it takes to launch a rocket as part of British Science Week.
The week kicked off with students from The Royal School for the Deaf, learnt about rockets and the science behind explosions before planning, conducting and concluding their own investigation, discovering how gas pressure can propel objects.
During a live rocket launch using film canisters and Alka-Seltzer tablets, pupils discovered that powdered tablets produced the quickest launches.
Focusing on this year’s theme ‘Curiosity…what’s your question?’, pupils from years seven to 10, designed an experiment exploring the question: ‘How does the tablet form affect how fast it launches: whole, halved, quartered, or powdered?’
The week kicked off with students from years seven to 10, learning about rockets and the science behind explosions before planning, conducting and concluding their own investigation, discovering how gas pressure can propel objects.
Year eight pupil, Callum, said: “I really like the new lab coat, that we were given at the end of the week.
“I had so much fun making rockets launch. My favourite part was making the rocket and I’m proud of myself that I guessed correctly the powdered chemical would make the rocket launch faster.”
Richard Gerver, an award-winning former headteacher turned author and motivational speaker, visited the school during the week to inspire pupils to embrace the power of asking ‘silly questions’, explaining that they often spark deeper thinking, creativity and should always be encouraged.
A competition was also held to see who could come up with the most curious question. The winning group impressed judges with their entry: “Why do insects have different coloured blood to humans?”
The week concluded with a special graduation-style ceremony, where every pupil was presented with their own lab coat to mark their achievements, which can now be worn in future lessons as a symbol of their scientific journey.
Science teacher Sophie Croshaw said: “Science Week is a fantastic opportunity for children to experience the very best of secondary learning through physical, practical investigations.
“Our pupils benefit hugely from hands-on learning and it’s so important that they can see themselves in STEM.
“I became a teacher to inspire children to ask questions about the world around them and this week has been such a joy to see that come to life.”
Headteacher Paul Burrows added: “It has been wonderful to see our pupils take full ownership of their learning this week.
“From designing their experiments to asking the questions that guided them, every step was led by the students themselves.
“Watching the rockets soar into the air and seeing the excitement on their faces really captured the spirit of hands-on science.
“The week has not only been fun, but it has also inspired our pupils to continue exploring and investigating the world around them.”
ENDS
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
