Our science curriculum day at The Centre for Life was superb! We had lots of fun exploring the Brain Zone, WOW Zone and Space Zone before we explored the constellations that mirror the real North East skies in the magnificent planetarium! We found out how to spot Betelgeuse in the night sky as well as delving into its history and mythology.
Following this, we did our 'Light Fantastic' Workshop! Here we were introduced to Isaac Newton, his work and his life. We discussed the meaning of light sources and what light sources Newton had available at the time. Using liquid smoke, we proved that light travelled in straight lines. After this, we used ray boxes to perform a range of scientific investigations such as:
• Using convex as well as concave lenses. We noticed that the convex lens bends rays of light inwards whereas the concave lens bends the rays of light outwards. Convex lends create a focus as it focuses the rays of lights inwards. This is what we use in glasses!
• Creating rainbows! We found out that we can make them using triangular prisms. Isaac Newton was the first person to discover that rainbows were made of 7 colours! We used straws, fairy liquid, bowls and a light to create rainbows in bubbles.
• Making different colours out of one coloured ray of light. We couldn't! This proved that white light creates the seven colours not coloured light.
• Trying to make a disco ball shine after navigating a complex course! We had to use mirrors to reflect the light around it. We then were challenged to do this with fewer mirrors!
• Finally, we found out that we use mirrors instead of lenses in space too!

We thoroughly enjoyed our science curriculum day, learning not only about ‘Light’, but how science is linked to the everyday world that we live in