ACTIVITIES

The activity ideas are designed to be carried out in the classroom but you could reinforce your child/children's learning by trying some at home. They're outlined step-by-step and are very straightforward - have a go!

The activities are based on the fifteen learning topics, linked to the school science curriculum - five link to the theme of 'Energy', five to 'Forces' and five to 'Materials'. You could begin by watching the slide presentation to introduce the topic - and have fun together!

ENERGY

1. Fossil Fuels - exploring how oil in obtained
2. Renewables - creating mini windmills and watermills
3. Electricity - investigating static electricity and making electrical steady hand games
4. Fuel for the Body - exploring food batteries and identifying different foods from their taste and smell *
5. Power of our Senses - exploring the senses through optical illusions, 'slime' and musical straw pipes

FORCES

1. Pushes and Pulls - exploring how gravity and air pressure can get things moving
2. Gravity - engaging in several activities to explore centre of gravity
3. Friction - exploring friction and air resistance
4. Magnets - making electromagnets and compasses
5. Floating and Sinking - investigating what makes some objects float and others sink

MATERIALS

1. Grouping and Classifying - examining the properties of different materials
2. Solids, Liquids and Gases - creating gas from vinegar and baking powder, and considering the size of atoms *
3. Mixtures - investigating how different colours can be separated and how water can be filtered
4. Reversible and Non-reversible - investigating which combinations of mixtures are reversible, and creating simple plastic *
5. Insulators and Conductors - investigating which materials are the best insulators and conductors *

* indicates activities where more care must be taken, due to the use of heat or the possibility of allergic reactions.