British Science Week 2023
Published on isbi School News dated Friday 17th of March 2023
This week, Blue Coat has been celebrating ‘British Science Week’: a national 10-day focus on science, technology, engineering and maths. This year’s theme is Connections. At Blue Coat, we chose to study the connections we have with our planet and those our planet has with us. Specifically, we have focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each year group across school concentrated on one specific goal and addressed a key question.
Children in Nursery and Reception focused on Sustainable Development Goal 15 ‘Life on Land’. Key Question: How can we look after our planet? Children in Nursery studied animals that live in the zoo and the importance of zoos. Children in Reception looked at habitat destruction, including deforestation and pollution.
Children in Year 1 focused on Sustainable Development Goal 14 ‘Life Below Water’. Key Question: What would happen if there were no plants or animals left in the sea? The children looked at the biodiversity of the ocean and classified some of the extraordinary plants and wildlife that live beneath the ocean’s surface. Year 1 considered the ‘little things’ we can do to look after the ocean.
Children in Year 2 focused on Sustainable Development Goal 2 ‘Zero Hunger’. Key Question: What are the optimum conditions for growing plants? Year 2 investigated the challenges that come with growing food for an ever-expanding population. The children planted cress and observed its growth in specific conditions.
Children in Year 3 focused on Sustainable Development Goal 13 ‘Climate Action’. Key Question: Where does all our rubbish go? Do you know which materials can be reduced, reused or recycled to be more sustainable? The children in Year 3 have been finding out and learning about other causes of climate change.
Children in Year 4 focused on Sustainable Development Goal 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’. Key Question: Why is water so important? On average, a person in the UK uses approximately 150 litres of water a day! Year 4 revisited the Water Cycle, investigated methods of cleaning dirty water and considered how to reduce our water usage.
Children in Year 5 focused on Sustainable Development Goal 3 ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’. Key Questions: Where does our food come from? Are you eating plastic for dinner? Year 5 learnt about classifying (or grouping) foods and the importance of eating ‘a balanced diet’. They learnt about where our food comes from and revisited the topic of food chains and food webs. Recent research from oceanic studies has highlighted the impact of plastic waste, including tiny plastic microbeads found in some toiletry products, on life in the oceans. These microbeads and other microplastics are finding their way into food chains – and possibly onto our dinner plates! Year 5 has been finding out whether we have reason to be concerned.
Children in Year 6 focused on Sustainable Development Goal 7 ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’. Key Question: What is the future for electric power? We have learnt that there are many ways of generating electricity. In the UK, most of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels which pollute the air and cause climate change. Year 6 is researching alternative forms of energy production (such as hydroelectric, wind, wave and solar) and will design eco-friendly vehicles and buildings of the future.
On Wednesday, all of the Prep children enjoyed a British Science Week assembly in Chapel led by some of our newly-appointed Science Ambassadors. Father Andrew reminded us of ideas from the Christian Faith about Creation and our responsibility, whatever our religion, to look after the world.
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