From Circuits to Combustion: Year 8 Scientists at Work | Newsletters

This term, Year 8 pupils have been busy conducting exciting experiments and exploring key concepts in both Chemistry and Physics.

In Chemistry, we have been learning about chemical and physical changes. Pupils have been hard at work with a variety of practicals to observe chemical changes in action, discovering that chemical reactions result in the creation of new substances by rearranging particles, unlike physical changes, which usually involve a change of state. From observing fizzing reactions to colour changes, our budding chemists have seen firsthand the fascinating world of chemical transformations!

In Physics, pupils dived into the world of electricity, discovering how series and parallel circuits behave and what happens when resistance gets in the way of current flow. The highlight, though, was an electrifying experiment where they set wire wool alight to see resistance in action! These exciting, hands-on activities made the science of circuits come alive and gave pupils a real spark of understanding about how electricity works.

Year 8 have been exploring linear forces through an engaging investigation into speed, distance, and time — all brought to life with Hot Wheels cars! Pupils designed and carried out a fair test to determine how fast each car could travel, measuring the time taken to cover a fixed distance. Using these measurements, they calculated the speeds and compared outcomes, developing their understanding of how to conduct reliable scientific experiments. The activity provided a dynamic and memorable way to experience key Physics concepts in action.

It's been an incredible start to the term, filled with discovery, and we can’t wait for the next set of experiments!

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