Farm fun: children of Middle Park Primary meet some donkeys
Pupils at Middle Park Primary School transformed their playground into a farmyard of fun on Thursday 6 March.
There were sheep, goats, pigs and donkeys at the school as part of a range of activities for their Science Week.
Children from all years got to pet the animals and learn more about them from a zoologist who visited for the day.
In addition, the school were sent chicken eggs and are waiting in anticipation for them to hatch in their new digital incubator.
Science Week activities
Science Week had a series of fun and educational lessons for everyone. Year 4 pupils learnt about chemical reactions and got to make their own pop-rockets using indigestion tablets and film-canisters.
Year 6 made lava lamps to learn how oil and water don’t mix and the ways liquids interact, while Year 3 were taught about osmosis - leaving carnations to change colour overnight in food-dye.
Pupils also made pizzas, looking at the changes food undergoes when heated.
Engaging children
Christine Whatford, Director of Children’s Services, said,
"Science Week was a wonderful opportunity for pupils to learn more about science, and for many the first time they’ve seen different animals close-up.
"This week is a great example of how important it is to make the curriculum new and engaging for our children and young people, so that they’re enthusiastic about learning and continue their interest into their secondary school education."
Enjoying Science
James Searjeant, Science Leader at Middle Park School, added:
"Every pupil here takes science. It starts with ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World’ classes for the youngest ones. We try to make everything we do as interactive and as practical as possible to encourage our students to enjoy Science – so they can think about taking it up in Secondary School. It can lead to good jobs!"
Haliyat, five-years-old, from Eltham, said: “I put my hand through into the ducks’ cage and one nearly bit my finger!”
Kane, also aged five, and from Eltham, added: “The pigs were making lots of noise, and they made me laugh!”
20 March 2008