In one session, the children investigated the science of taste — a sneak preview of our upcoming summer topic. They explored the five basic tastes: salty, sweet, bitter, sour and umami (savoury). The class then carried out experiments to discover whether they could “confuse” their taste buds by altering their sense of smell, helping them to understand how closely our senses work together.

Another activity focused on pendulums. Many children were initially unfamiliar with what a pendulum is, but through careful experimentation they quickly developed a secure understanding. They investigated how changing the length of the pendulum, altering the starting angle of the swing, and adding air resistance using different sized card attachments affected the speed of the swing. The children were also set exciting challenges: could they make their pendulum stop swinging after exactly 30 seconds? Could they achieve precisely 10 swings in 30 seconds? Their perseverance and teamwork were impressive.

The third session explored the fascinating world of animals and their environments. The children learned how animals use camouflage to blend into their surroundings and protect themselves from predators, using colours, patterns and textures. To apply their learning creatively, the children designed and painted their own camouflage animals.

In the final activity, the children considered how we know that air exists, even though we cannot see it. They were introduced to Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion and explored this concept by creating balloon-powered pinwheels. The session ended with enthusiastic team challenges to see whose pinwheel could spin the fastest, bringing scientific theory to life in a memorable way.

It was a highly creative, engaging and thought-provoking day of scientific discovery. Well done, Year 4!