Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 1
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:
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 2
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 3
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?
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 4
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!
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 5
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…?!
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 6
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 7
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 8
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).
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 9
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!
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 10
Miss Stewart and inspired groups of future scientists!
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 11
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
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 12
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 13
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 14
Jamestown Primary School
Halloween Science
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 15
Science Activities at Jamestown
P1 P2
P2
P5
P4
P3
P6
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 16
Science Wall Displays at Jamestown
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 17
Haldane Primary School
Primary 2
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 18
P2 Science Activities at Haldane
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 19
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 20
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.
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 21
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 **
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 22
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
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 23
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?
Primary – Secondary Science Newsletter 2015
Vale of Leven Academy
May 2015 Page 24
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!