Hundreds of pupils have been asking and investigating scientific questions at Christ the King RC Primary School, making connections between British Science Week and the Great Science Share for Schools Great Glider Share. 3 curated guided enquiries, for 5-7, 7-11 and 11-14 year-olds, allow the experience to reach out to all pupils, aligned to core curriculum goals for working scientifically, application of science concepts and use of mathematics.
How the enquiry came about
Based on the current research of Dr Ben Parslew, Aerospace Engineer in the Faculty of Science & Engineering at The University of Manchester, and supported by The Ogden Trust, this guided enquiry has taken flight through the generous collaboration of Jules Pottle, author of Gary Vity - a brand new children’s book that enriches pupils’ learning about forces and gravity.
How teachers integrate this into the school timetable
The experience began by capitalising on whole-school assembly time, during which pupils were introduced to the Great Glider Share through listening to Jules Pottle’s book read. Pupils gathered in the school hall as the Headteacher and Science Subject Leader inspired pupils, teachers and teaching assistants to embrace the opportunity to ask, investigate and share the scientific questions.
Making connections
Pupils at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School also took part, showing clear partnership between learning in primary and secondary schools, and allowing for teachers to talk about the expectations for learning across the two age phases. All teachers dedicated their weekly science lesson to the age-related enquiries, which involved making and testing the gliders.
5-7 years: What’s the best material to use for a glider wing?
7-11 years: Does the way we make the glider affect how far it travels?
11-14 years: What difference does the position of the ballast have on the distance a glider travels?
“The Great Science Share is an integral part of our school curriculum.”
Sharing with new audiences
Non-competitive learning experiences in collaboration with others sits at the heart of the GSSfS values. On this occasion, a request to be joined by a PhD scientist also meant that all pupils had opportunity to talk about science as a career, and to hear more about the application of science and engineering in the real-world. Thomas Johnson, PhD outreach enthusiast, joined pupils to take part and support the Great Glider Share. So many rich questions were asked, including those related to subject choices, places of work and aspirations. Of course, the room filled with smiles when the Reception children quizzed Tom to explain some less obvious questions related to his job!
Watch the Great Glider Share @ctkrcps
The GSSfS team are interested to profile schools undertaking science days, events or activities related to the GSSfS Guided Enquiries. Get in touch if you’d like some extra profile in blogs like this. Email us at greatscishare@manchester.ac.uk
With thanks to all staff and pupils at Christ the King RC Primary School, Salford, for really making the Great Glider Share take flight!
Photo credit: Chris Foster; Video: Mike Bailey