Science Week experiments spark excitement at Buckland Monachorum school

Pupils at a primary school in Buckland Monachorum “put their reactions to the test” as they took part in classroom experiments to mark British Science Week.

Year 6 pupils at St Andrew’s CofE Academy carried out an investigation using dissolving vitamin tablets in sealed tubes to explore how gases build up pressure.

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During the activity, pupils predicted what might happen when a tablet was placed in water inside a closed container. 

Observations were recorded as the tablets dissolved and gas accumulated, eventually forcing the lid off.

The experiment was used to demonstrate scientific ideas including irreversible change, dissolving and the presence of gases. 

ABOVE: St Andrew’s pupils celebrated British Science Week with an explosive experiment (Image credit: St Andrew's)

Different amounts of tablets were tested so pupils could compare results and observe how outcomes varied.

British Science Week ran from 6-15 March and was organised by the British Science Association with funding from UK Research and Innovation. 

The annual event encourages schools and communities across the UK to take part in science, technology, engineering and maths activities.

Debbie Nunn, headteacher at the school, said:

“British Science Week is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to explore, question and discover through hands-on learning. 

“The excitement in the classroom was wonderful to see, and our Year 6 pupils showed great curiosity and teamwork as they predicted, tested and reflected on their results.

ABOVE: St Andrew’s pupils celebrated British Science Week with an explosive experiment (Image credit: St Andrew's)

“Activities like this help bring science to life and encourage children to think like real scientists.”

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of the Learning Academy Partnership, said:

“At the Learning Academy Partnership we are passionate about inspiring a love of learning and encouraging curiosity in every child. 

“It is wonderful to see pupils at St Andrew’s engaging so enthusiastically with science and developing the skills of investigation, observation and problem solving that will support them throughout their education and beyond.”

The Learning Academy Partnership runs schools across Devon, Cornwall and Torbay.