Year 5 are really enjoying learning about properties and changes of materials in science lessons. Last week, they learnt how to test the PH of different liquids to see if they were an acid, alkali or if they were neutral. They learnt about the PH scale and what colours indicate acids and alkalis. This week year 5 have been learning about neutralising acids. They started off with pure acid (vinegar) and predicted how many grams of (alkali) bicarbonate of soda it would take to neutralise the acid. After each gram they tested the liquid to see if it was changing and becoming more neutral. It took 21 grams of alkali to completely neutralise the acid. They continued their investigations by slightly diluting the acid a bit more each time they repeated the investigation and correctly predicted that it would take less alkali each time to neutralise the acid. As the bicarbonate of soda was added to the vinegar the children observed bubbling, foaming and fizzing and knew a chemical reaction was taking place. They also learnt the medical benefits of neutralising acids, for example when treating heartburn alkali medication can be taken to neutralise the stomach acid. Well done year 5 you are becoming amazing scientists!

This week year 5 have been getting stuck into their new science unit ‘properties and changes of materials’ by testing the Ph of different liquids. They had to dip a piece of Ph paper into various liquids and watch as the paper turned a different colour. They then had to match the colour of the paper to a colour chart to decide what Ph the liquid was and whether it was an acid, alkali or neutral liquid.

This week, years 5 and 6 went on a trip to The National Space Centre in Leicester to consolidate their learning on Earth and Space, which they have been learning about in Science lessons. The children thoroughly enjoyed their time in the space centre with lots of hands on, interactive activities to keep them busy. There were also opportunities to read and learn about the history of space travel and the apollo missions to the moon. The day was topped off with a visit to the planetarium to watch a show about how to become an astronaut.

This week year 5 and some year 6 pupils had an exciting science lesson from Mr Gilbert a teacher at Thomas Adams school. The children tested water resistance by dropping plasticine shapes in oil and they made a rocket which they later launched into the sky from the school field. All the children thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and impressed Mr Gilbert with their excellent behaviour, enthusiam and scientific knowledge. It was lovely to give the children a taste of how exciting science is – especially once they get to secondary school.