MELKSHAM Oak School hosted the third annual Big Melksham Science Share last week with over 120 pupils from Melksham primary schools enjoying a day of science fun.
Pupils from eight primary schools from across Melksham and surrounding villages, joined Melksham Oak students to share their own science investigations and activities with each other on the theme of ‘famous scientists’.
There was a whole host of hands-on activities designed by the children to take part in. Projects included exploring which materials make good conductors or insulators; how to make your own lava lamp; and discovering what materials can keep water the warmest for the longest period of time.
On the day there was also a presentation from special guest, Nerys Shar from Bath University, who spoke about women in science and a ‘explosive’ science demonstration from science department staff at Melksham Oak.
On behalf of the Melksham Science Cluster, science subject leader at Churchfields the Village school, Andrea Liddiard, said, “We were very excited to have our cluster of schools gather for the event where there was a real buzz of excitement as pupils shared their science discoveries with each other in the Assembly Hall.
“Science communication is a vital skill and the Great Science Share for Schools creates the perfect opportunity for children to share their learning in interesting and often very dynamic ways. There were many hands-on activities to try out, which helped to answer as well as raise plenty of scientific questions.”
The event was a satellite of the Great Science Share for Schools, a national campaign aimed to inspire young people to share their science learning with new audiences developed by the University of Manchester. The event was coordinated by the science leaders at the nine Melksham schools, led by Carol Sampey, a fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust. The nine schools that are part of the Melksham Science Cluster are: Churchfields the Village School, Forest and Sandridge, Aloeric, Seend, The Manor, Bowerhill, Lacock, Shaw and Melksham Oak.
