Topic Descriptions

Archimedes’ Contributions to Science and Mathematics

Our first lesson of the term is all about the brilliant scientist Archimedes and his amazing contributions to science and mathematics! We’ll start by learning a little about Ancient Greece, where Archimedes lived, to understand the historical context his discoveries were made in. Then we’ll explore how Archimedes discovered the principle of buoyancy, which explains why some objects float and others sink in water. To make it fun, we’ll do a hands-on activity where we test different objects in water to see which ones float and which ones sink. Next, we’ll explore how Archimedes invented the Archimedean screw, a device used to lift water and discuss how it’s still used today. We’ll also learn about the famous weapons he invented, including the Archimedean claw and heat ray. By the end of the lesson, students will understand why Archimedes is considered one of the greatest mathematicians and scientists in history!

Polymers in Play: The History of Football and the Chemistry of Modern Balls

In our second lesson of the term, we’re diving into the world of polymers and football! We’ll start by exploring the history of football, from the Mayan ball game, to the old leather footballs used until the 1980’s, to the modern, high-tech footballs we see today. Students will discover how advancements in materials, especially polymers, have made footballs more durable and easier to kick, and how this can improve performance and reduce injuries. We’ll have a hands-on activity where kids can feel and compare different types of footballs to understand how their materials affect their performance. By learning about the chemistry behind these modern balls, students will see how science helps improve their favourite games. By the end of the lesson, they’ll appreciate how both history and science play a role in creating the perfect football!

The Secret Lives of Amphibians in Two Worlds

In our third lesson of the term, we’re exploring the fascinating world of amphibians and their unique lives both on land and in water! We’ll start by learning about the incredible life cycle of amphibians, from eggs to tadpoles and then to adults. To make it fun, we’ll use pictures and videos to observe how these creatures transition from living in water to hopping around on land. We’ll discuss the diversity of amphibian life, and look at fascinating creatures such as axolotls and caecilians. Students will also get to explore the different habitats amphibians need to thrive and understand why they are important for our environment, and why our environment needs to be protected to ensure they have quality habitats. By the end of the lesson, students will appreciate how these amazing animals live in two worlds and why it’s important to protect them and where they live!

Deep Sea Diving and Submarines

For our fourth lesson of the term, we’re embarking on an underwater adventure to explore deep sea diving and submarines! We’ll start by learning about the amazing creatures that live in the deep ocean and the challenges scientists face when they dive to such great depths to study them and their habitats. Students will discover how submarines are designed to withstand the intense pressure of the deep sea and how special equipment helps scientists explore this mysterious world. To visualise this better, we’ll have a hands-on activity where kids can build their own simple “submarine” using plastic bottles and test how well it floats and sinks. We’ll also watch videos of deep sea explorations to see some of the incredible animals that live far beneath the surface, and discuss their adaptations that allow them to live there. By the end of the lesson, students will understand the wonders of the deep sea and the technology that helps us explore its depths!

How Clouds Create Electricity

In our fifth lesson of the term, we’re going to uncover the amazing way clouds create electricity through the process of lightning! We’ll begin by learning about how clouds form and what causes them to build up static electricity. Students will discover how this electrical charge can create lightning during a thunderstorm. To make it interactive, we’ll conduct a simple experiment with a balloon and static electricity to see how charges can move and spark, just like in a storm. By the end of the lesson, students will understand the fascinating science behind thunderstorms!

Introduction to Neuroscience: Animal Intelligence

For our sixth lesson of the term, we’re diving into the fascinating world of animal intelligence and learning about the brain’s role in how animals think and solve problems! We’ll start by exploring different types of animal brains and how they compare to human brains in size and complexity, and the different types of intelligence that scientists consider when studying animal and human behaviour. Students will discover how some animals, like dolphins and monkeys, use their amazing intelligence to solve puzzles and communicate with each other. We’ll have a fun activity where kids can try out simple brainteasers and see how problem-solving skills are important for both humans and animals. We’ll also watch videos showcasing clever animal behaviours, like birds using tools or ants working together. By the end of the lesson, students will understand how amazing and diverse animal intelligence can be and how neuroscience helps us learn more about it!

Pangaea: The Supercontinent and the Science of Geology

In our seventh lesson of the term, we’re traveling back in time to explore Pangaea, the giant supercontinent! We’ll start by learning how all the continents were once joined together as one massive landmass and how they slowly drifted apart over time. Students will have fun looking at puzzles of the world map to see how the continents fit together like a giant jigsaw. We’ll also discuss how scientists use geology to understand these changes and study the Earth’s layers. To make it hands-on, we’ll explore rock samples and learn about different types of rocks and fossils that give us clues about Earth’s history. By the end of the lesson, students will appreciate how Pangaea shaped our planet and how geology helps us understand the story of our world!

The Power of Seeds: How Plants Grow and Thrive

For our eighth lesson of the term, we’re discovering the incredible power of seeds and how they grow into thriving plants! We’ll start by learning about the different parts of a seed and what it needs to start growing, like water, sunlight, and soil. Students will get to plant their own seeds in small pots to take home and observe how they sprout and develop into seedlings over time. We’ll discuss the stages of plant growth, from seed to mature plant, and the importance of roots, stems, and leaves. By the end of the lesson, students will understand how seeds hold the potential for new life and how plants thrive with the right care!

The Brilliant Marie Curie: Exploring the Secrets of the Invisible World

In our ninth lesson, we’re learning about the brilliant scientist Marie Sklodowska-Curie and her amazing discoveries in the world of invisible forces! We’ll start by exploring how Marie Sklodowska-Curie pioneered the study of radioactivity and how she discovered elements like radium and polonium. Students will learn about the exciting ways she used her research to advance science and medicine, and how her research helps us today. To make it hands-on, we’ll use simple experiments with glow-in-the-dark materials to understand the concept of radiation and how scientists study things we can’t see with our eyes. We’ll also discuss the risks associated with radioactive material, and how they eventually impacted her. By the end of the lesson, students will be inspired by Marie Sklodowska-Curie’s curiosity and understand how exploring the invisible world can lead to amazing discoveries!

Our Moon: From Phases to Tides, Understanding Its Role

In our final formal lesson of the term, we’re exploring our fascinating Moon and its important role in our lives! We’ll start by learning about the different phases of the Moon, from the new moon to the full moon, and how they change over time. We’ll also discuss how the Moon affects the tides in our oceans and why this is important for marine life. To make it interactive, we’ll use a simple experiment with water and small objects to simulate how the Moon’s gravity causes tides. By the end of the lesson, students will understand how our Moon influences both the sky above and the world around us!

Quiz and STEM Project

In our final session of the term we will discuss the different subjects we learned about during our lessons, and what aspects of our lessons we enjoyed the most. This will be followed with a fun quiz to see what the students retained over the course of the term, and refresh our memory!