As a spin off from the success of MyScience, QHEPS have started a Science Club during lunchtime on Tuesdays for Year 1 students who show an interest in the way things work. The aim of the club is to introduce students to the practical nature of Science and to have fun while learning some key scientific processes.
During this term students have been looking at the effect of chemical reactions (how can we make bouncing balls bouncier?), the conductivity of things in the classroom (which things in my classroom makes the globe within our circuit to light up?), magnetic fields (can you make a paperclip float in air?) and environmental issues (can water and oil be mixed?).
One of the key features of the Science club is having older students as mentors. Several Year 6 students have volunteered to help the younger students work through the experiments. It’s a fantastic opportunity for building relationships among the student population while providing enriching learning experiences.
The Science Club is also forging better working relationships with the local High School. The High School has kindly agreed to lend any necessary Science equipment – so far the arrangement has already seen the borrowing of amp measuring equipment for the session on conductivity.
The Year 1 students have been keen to attend and their questions have been endless. They are starting to use the language of science and to understand that experimentation is all about trial and error. Year 6 students are also enjoying the responsibility of leading the younger students and they are having fun with the equipment.
Overall, the Science Club appears to be a success at engaging the scientific minds of students.
Tags: QHEPS, science club
