primary secondary science newsletter 2015 · p7 pupil, christie park primary “the lesson was...

Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015

Vale of Leven Academy

May 2015

Welcome to our third Primary-Secondary Science Newsletter. Here you will

find lots of information about the Science Department at VoLA, as well as

Science related activities which have been happening at our Cluster Primaries.

Our aim is to provide teachers and parents of P7 pupils in our associated

Primary Schools an insight into how Science is experienced both at primary and

secondary level.

VoLA Science Specialist Staff for 2015-16

Our Chemistry Teachers:

Fiona Palin (Curriculum Leader)

David Allan

Stacey Stewart

Our Physics Teachers:

Stephen Halkett (Pastoral Care

Leader)

Joe Keegan

Rhona McCaughey

Fiona Panelli (Acting Pastoral Care

Leader)

Our Biology Teachers:

Nicola Fraser

Evette Milne

Andrea Montague

Claire Ramjan

Our Technicians:

Christine Forsyth

John McGroggan

Jackie McMonagle

One of our 11 Science Laboratories:



May 2015

How is Science structured at VoLA?

Our S1 Science course comprises of units which are designed to introduce pupils

to the three branches of Science, develop key skills and provide inspiration in

preparation for electives at the end of S1:

Starting Science

What is Biology

What is Chemistry?

What is Physics?

Matter

Space

CSI

Rocks

Pupils will visit Science lessons 3 times per week. At the end of S1 pupils can

choose to study one or two Science subjects – Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

One Science only course structure in S2 and S3:

For example, in S2 pupils will study their chosen subject and will gain

experience of another science in term 3. In S3 pupils will continue to study

their chosen subject along with the other science not covered in S2.



May 2015

This course structure ensures that pupils have the opportunity to experience all

Level 3 Science Outcomes by the end of S3 as part of their Broad General

Education.

In the elective column pupils will study only their chosen science subject. The

course content will be the same as the Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses

however will incorporate enriched experiences. Enrichment may take the form

of interdisciplinary competitions, guest speakers from the scientific community

and further investigations/development of skills. These experiences will take

place throughout the two year course.

What’s been happening at S1 Science Club?

The S1 Science club is open to all S1 pupils and is held during lunchtimes, once a

week. Over the last year pupils at the S1 Science Club have had the chance to

do many exciting and interesting experiments from growing crystals to making

slime at Halloween. Would you like to join Science Club next session?



May 2015

Science at VoLA

We continue to see many exciting things happening in the Science department

at VoLA:

Scrub Up On Science Challenge

2 of our S3 Chemistry classes have been challenged to come up with an

idea for a great new shower gel or mini bath bomb and have a go at

creating it in the lab as well as via a virtual experiment. They will then

showcase their ideas in a video or PowerPoint presentation.

This competition is in association with the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and

our pupils will be in with a chance at attending a finalists' day at the Science

Museum in London on the 22nd June, where they'll get to create their products

working alongside real cosmetic scientists.

They'll also be in with a chance of winning the Scrub Up On Science trophy, as

well as a day working with a high street brand's new product development team!



May 2015

Annual CSI day

Our annual CSI day is an inter-disciplinary learning event

which takes place in June and involves all S1 pupils along with

the Science, Art and English departments. On Monday 10th

June, last year our Head Teacher was murdered! Our S1

pupils had an informative visit from the police in the morning and then spent the

rest of the day analysing pieces of forensic evidence in various labs. These labs

included things like finger-printing, shoe scrapings, chromatography and looking

for signs of blood! They designed a fingerprint collage in Art and in English

they had to write a court report defending their suspect.

The day was very enjoyable and a huge success. The murderer was successfully

identified by the end of the day. The next CSI day is planned for Thursday 11th

June. Who will be next…?!



May 2015

Girls into Physics’ event

The ‘Girls into Physics’ event was held in VoLA in January

2015. It was aimed at encouraging more girls to become

involved in STEM subjects and careers (STEM stands for

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

The event hosted 130 girls in S3-S6 from schools across

central Scotland. Our senior girls were involved in organising

the event and were group leaders on the day.

The ‘Girls into Physics’ event started with talks from inspirational females

working in STEM careers. Pupils then had the opportunity to attend 8 fun and

interactive workshops, including making ice cream using liquid nitrogen, building

/ launching rockets and a propeller challenge.

Nursery Litter Pick

An enriched S2 Biology class got together with the Riverside Nursery pupils to

clean up the litter along the fence between the school and the nursery. We are

hoping to get involved in some more Eco-schools activities with the nursery in

the future.



May 2015

IET Scotland Christmas Lecture 2014

On the 3rd December the S3 pupils studying physics

visited Strathclyde University for the IET Christmas

lecture. Vale of Leven pupils were joined by pupils from several other schools in

the Strathclyde region to hear a lecture on electricity generation and power

supply in Scotland.

The lecture incorporated talks

from students, researchers and

lecturers at the university as well

as videos, a slide show and

practical demonstrations of

energy transformations that take

place in fossil fuel power stations

and wind farms. During the talk

several pupils were asked to

participate in the demonstrations

which included cycling a bicycle to

power various household appliances.

The talk gave pupils a flavour of what studying at college or university might be

like and was an opportunity to recap on some of the work they had learnt in S1-

S3.



May 2015

Go4set Challenge

6 of our S2 enriched Physics pupils have been

involved in a STEM (Science Technology

Engineering and Maths) challenge called Go4Set

run by the EDT (Engineering Development Trust). At a launch event in October,

pupils were given the option of a number of projects and selected to tackle the

Eco-Hotel, a project to design an eco-friendly hotel. There were 10 other

schools involved from across the West of Scotland including Boclair Academy in

Bearsden, Bishopbriggs Academy and Oban High School.

The team had around 10 weeks to produce

a 15 page report on the challenge, build a

model of their hotel, create a display to

go along with their model and give a 10

minute presentation to a panel of industry

judges. The presentation was given

during a Celebration and Awards Event at

the Tannahill Centre in Paisley and our

team of pupils won 2nd prize for “Best

Team Work” and £150 for the school’s Science department.

In addition to the prize, pupils achieved a Silver Crest Award which isn’t

normally available to pupils until they reach S5. Crest Awards are an accredited

qualification and issued by the British Science Association.

The pupils involved were Hollie Lamont

and Aaron MacIver (formerly Levenvale

PS), Emma Ross and Glen McAlpine

(formerly Christie Park PS), Connor

Abbott (formerly Ladyton PS) and Kyle

McKay (formerly Jamestown PS).



May 2015

Primary-Secondary Science Transition

Miss Stewart (Chemistry teacher) has been busy visiting each of the primary

schools in the cluster this year. Her first visit was an introduction and involved

pupils getting a chance to explore the properties of a variety of pieces of

Science equipment along with discussions and explanations of aspects of

studying Science at VoLA.

SCN 2-19a

I have collaborated in activities which safely demonstrate simple chemical reactions

using everyday chemicals. I can show an appreciation of a chemical reaction as being a

change in which different materials are made.

TRANSITION LINK!

SCN 3-19a

Through experimentation, I can identify indicators of chemical reactions having

occurred. I can describe ways of controlling the rate of reactions and can relate my

findings to the world around me.

During their second lesson primary pupils were given an insight into chemical

reactions and were shown demonstrations which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Pupils were then let loose on their own series of experiments where they were

looking at the properties of vinegar and discovering how it reacts with baking

powder to fill a balloon.

Apologies to all primary 7 teachers whose classrooms were left with a strong

vinegary aroma!



May 2015

Miss Stewart and inspired groups of future scientists!



May 2015

Some comments from these visits:

Some amazing adjectives pupils used to describe their Chemical Reaction lesson:

“I learned how cool chemical

reactions are.”

- P7 pupil, Ladyton Primary

“I learned that when you mix

chlorine and cola it makes a massive

fizz.”

- P7 pupil, Haldane Primary

“My favourite part of the lesson was

when the powder and the candle made

an explosion of fire!”

- P7 pupil, Christie Park Primary

“The lesson was great! I can’t

choose just one favourite

part.”

- P7 pupil, Jamestown Primary

“My favourite part of the

lesson was when we watched

the fire going up and making a

balloon blow up and watching

the other stuff.”

- P7 pupil, Highdykes Primary

“We learned some of the

scientific names for chemicals

that we use everyday”

- P6 pupil, Jamestown Primary

Brilliant

Entertaining

Exciting Fabulous

Mindboggling

Explosive Funny



May 2015

What has been happening in our cluster Primary Schools?

Christie Park Primary School

Christie Park entered the Scottish STEM

Leader Awards Competition and were

delighted when six of their children (4 P7s

and 2 P6s) were awarded certificates of

distinction and now progress to the final

stages. They were interviewed on local

radio. The other 42 children received merit

certificates.

The children had to complete an application, interview an engineer and come up

with their own invention. We were lucky to have four engineers come to the

school:

Alan Burns from Aggreko

James McLaughlin from Babcock

International at Faslane

Graham Watt from Ethos Energy

Rebecca Cleary, a PhD student

studying engineering in biomedical

science.

The children participated in a variety of challenges with great enthusiasm and

were lucky enough to visit Aggreko on Tuesday 24th March to see the work done

for themselves.



May 2015

Gartocharn Primary School

P1/2 and P4/5 worked together on an inter-disciplinary learning (IDL) topic in our

forest area which we have developed in the school.

Along with the RSPB they have been building bird feeders and nest boxes.

Pupils were learning about the different feeding habitats and nesting habitats of

various birds.

Pupils have now also set up movement activated night vision cameras that will film the

wild life at night down in the forest area and have taken part in the Citizen Science Big

Bird Watch.



May 2015

Jamestown Primary School

Halloween Science



May 2015

Science Activities at Jamestown

P1 P2

P2

P5

P4

P3

P6



May 2015

Science Wall Displays at Jamestown



May 2015

Haldane Primary School

Primary 2



May 2015

P2 Science Activities at Haldane



May 2015

Bonhill Primary School

Due to a grant awarded by the Institute of Physics, Bonhill primary were visited

by Edinburgh International science Festival’s Generation Science. They

performed sound workshops for every class and the children had lots of fun

whilst learning the science of sound.

Primary 1 to 3 learned different ways of producing sound through the story

Ella’s Wobble.

Primary 4 to 7 learned how sound vibrations are carried by waves through air

and water.



May 2015

A cool Science experiment you can do at home!

Magic Milk!

Equipment needed

o plate

o 1/2 cup – 1 cup milk

o 1 drop of dishwashing liquid

o food colouring (variety of colours)

How to do it

1. Pour some milk onto a plate - ensure you have enough milk to cover the

base of the plate.

2. Add a few drops of food colouring to the milk.

3. Carefully add one drop of dishwashing liquid to the middle of the milk.

4. Quickly a chemical reaction will occur, which will see the colours begin to

spread away from the dishwashing liquid drop and begin mixing and

churning the colours.

Watch a video detailing how to complete the experiment here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW-bn9zssak

Remember to ask permission from a parent/guardian before

attempting any experiments at home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW-bn9zssak



May 2015

Useful Resources

For Primary Teachers:

STEM ebulletin: Education Scotland provide this free bulletin for Science,

Technologies, Engineering and Maths. Subscribe at:

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/newsandevents/emailupdates/subscribe/index.asp

and stay up to date with important developments.

SSERC Primary: http://www.sserc.org.uk/index.php/primary-bulletins

Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland: This resource contains a variety

of useful resources, information on competitions and freebies

http://www.yecscotland.co.uk/primary_school_resources.html

For Parents, Pupils and Teachers:

BBC Bitesize Levels 1 & 2

This is an excellent resource for pupils, parents and teachers to help and

encourage children with Science in school and at home.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/

BBC News Website

The Science and Environment section of the BBC news website offers up to

date, recent developments in Science which pupils will love to discuss and

become involved with.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment

Fun Stuff

http://www.primarygames.com/science.php

** Many thanks to the staff at Gartocharn, Christie Park, Jamestown, Bonhill

and Haldane Primaries for their contributions towards this newsletter **

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/newsandevents/emailupdates/subscribe/index.asp

http://www.sserc.org.uk/index.php/primary-bulletins

http://www.yecscotland.co.uk/primary_school_resources.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment

http://www.primarygames.com/science.php



May 2015

Ideas and Suggestions?

Suggestions for future focus and ideas on enhancing the newsletter

are welcomed. We would hope to that more primaries in our cluster

will contribute to future newsletters. Please contact

Mrs Fiona Palin

Science Curriculum Leader

Email: fiona.palin@west-

dunbarton.gov.uk

Tel: 01389 777000, ext. 7121

Miss Stewart

Teacher of Chemistry

Email: stacey.stewart@west-

dunbarton.gov.uk

Tel: 01389 777000, ext.7119

mailto:[email protected]






May 2015

Competition time for P7 pupils!!

Poster Competition

The world looks very different now

compared to how it did 100 years ago, with

lots of clever ideas from scientists and

engineers affecting our lives in all sorts of

ways. Think about the way we communicate,

how we get to school and what type of houses we live in.

Imagine the future… What do you think will be different about the world in another

100 years? Using your imagination, design a product that you think would help make

our world a better place in the year 2115.

To get you started, here are a few theme ideas and facts about recent scientific and

engineering developments. What might be the next big thing? You can use these

themes, or your own ideas, as a starting point to begin researching for your design.

Energy

Since the industrial revolution, mankind has relied heavily on fossil fuels. Scientists and

engineers are developing new products that help us become less reliant on these non-

renewable fuels, and are exploring more efficient ways of harnessing the energy of

renewable sources such as the sun, tides and wind. What other sources of renewable

energy can be harnessed, and how might these be used in the future?

Transport

It is estimated that today over 70% of UK households own one or more

cars, compared to 52% in the 1970’s. This rise in personal transport has

caused concerns about the impact on the environment, our health and the

safety of our roads. How might scientists and engineers address these

issues in the future?

Future of food & food production

In 2013, scientists from the Netherlands successfully grew a beef burger in their

laboratory. It took three months to grow the burger, at a cost of over

£20,000. What other new developments and products might affect the

future of food and food production?



May 2015

Human enhancement

From glasses to prosthetic limbs, scientists all over the world are

developing new ways to overcome the limitations of the human mind

and body. In the last decade, researchers in America and

Switzerland have been working on touch sensitive prosthetic limbs.

Those testing an advanced prosthetic hand have been able to feel

which finger is being touched, without looking. What other human

enhancements might be commonplace in the next 100 years?

How to enter

Design a new product, a scientific, technological or medical advancement that

you feel will help society in 100 years’ time.

You can draw or paint a poster, build a model or create a design on the computer

- Please draw/print your design onto an A4 or A3 sheet of paper.

You must also include a title for your design, label its features and write a short

explanation of how it will help our future society.

Your teacher will send the competition entries back to VoLA

and we will decide on a winner from each primary school.

Then at your first assembly in S1 the winners will be

presented with their certificate (and maybe a small prize!).

The closing date for entries is Friday 19th June 2015!

primary secondary science newsletter 2015 · p7 pupil, christie park primary “the lesson was...

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