Pre-Prep and Prep pupils became scientists, engineers and problem-solvers for STEM Day, taking on a series of exciting challenges that encouraged them to experiment, get creative and put their ideas to the test.
Kindergarten pupils took on a prehistoric rescue mission in their floating dinosaur challenge! With a dinosaur trapped at the bottom of a bucket, the children had to work out how to bring it to the surface without using their hands. By carefully adding stones and bricks to the water, they watched as the water level rose, discovering how their actions could help bring the dinosaur closer to safety. A brilliant introduction to scientific investigation!
Meanwhile, Reception to Year 2 pupils put their design skills to the test, creating an eco-friendly community centre for a team of eco heroes: Sustainable Susie, Nature Ned and Roger the Recycling Robot. Their designs featured all sorts of sustainable features, including solar panels, water butt systems, electric car charging points, green roofs, nature ponds and vegetable gardens. There were some particularly imaginative ideas, including a solar-powered hot tub where the eco heroes could relax after a busy day saving the planet!
Things then took to the skies as Year 3 designed and launched their very own rockets! Exploring the importance of aerodynamics, they experimented with their designs to discover what helps a rocket travel through the air. They then put their creations to the test, launching them into the sky, with some travelling impressive distances!
Year 4 turned their attention to electronics, exploring how circuits and pressure switches can be used to make things happen. Working with their own buggies, they investigated how weight can activate a pressure switch and complete the circuit. Once they had mastered the basics, they experimented with making their buggies travel in the opposite direction, increasing their speed and switching on a light.
There was plenty of teamwork in Years 5 and 6, as pupils worked in groups to design and build their own shelters. Using rolled newspaper, glue and a special machine to help prepare their building materials, they explored how simple materials could be transformed into structures. They had to think carefully about how to construct their shelters, combining their ideas and engineering skills to bring their designs to life.
The day also included a special Prep Assembly with Mr Daan Fuldner, Physics teacher and Joint Head of First Year at Hampton School. Exploring the fascinating world of electricity, pupils discovered more about how it works and its role in the world around us.
Who knows what they might invent next!
