On Thursday 23rd, our Starlings and Herons became scientists for the day as they explored the exciting world of STEM, with a particular focus on their current science topic, Forces and Magnets.
The children were completely fascinated by the brilliant show put on by the Wonderlab, where they learned how trains are designed to reduce air resistance. We were all shocked to discover what can happen if a train goes too fast without enough air resistance — when the model train shot through the tunnel at nearly 700mph, it certainly didn’t arrive safely at its destination!
Throughout the day, the children explored:
- 🧪 Magnetic liquid and how magnets can behave in surprising ways
- 🌬️ How to make our bodies more aerodynamic in a wind tunnel
- ✈️ Designing and testing the perfect paper flying machine
- 🚆 The development of trains from the past right through to modern‑day designs
These hands‑on experiences brought science to life and helped the children deepen their understanding through curiosity, investigation and wonder.
💬 What the Staff Said
Mrs Pywell said:
“It was wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited about science. The Wonderlab experiences made complex ideas accessible and memorable, and the children were asking thoughtful questions all day.”
Mrs Robbins added:
“A huge thank you to all our parent helpers and to FOSP. Their support made this trip possible and ensured every child could take part in such a rich, inspiring science experience.”
We are incredibly grateful to our parent helpers for giving their time and to FOSP for helping to subsidise the cost of the visit, allowing science learning to truly shine beyond the classroom.
❤️ Love • 📚 Learn • ✨ Shine
This visit perfectly reflected our school vision of Love, Learn, Shine:
- Love – learning together, supporting one another and sharing excitement
- Learn – deepening scientific understanding through real‑world experiences
- Shine – children growing in confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm
🏠 Follow‑Up Questions for Home
Why not continue the learning at home by chatting about:
- What is air resistance, and why is it important for trains and planes?
- How do magnets help us in everyday life?
- What design features help modern trains travel faster and more safely?
- How could you improve your paper flying machine next time?
🚆 Visit Wonderlab Again!
Families can continue the adventure by visiting the Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery at the National Railway Museum:
✨ Reminder for parents: The National Railway Museum is free to visit all year round and makes a fantastic family day out — full of learning, exploration and fun!
