Simpson Primary School has made changes to their science lessons to make more links with enterprise and the local community.
Primary 1 pupils were posed the question 'How do lampposts know when to come on' from their teacher. This challenged them to explore concepts such as day and night and where shadows come from.
The teacher discussed with the children what they might do to find out an answer to their question and the class decided to write to the local council to ask if they could help.
A worker from the council's lighting department came to the class to talk to the children about the topic, allowing the pupils to think up questions to ask and develop their own communications skills. Focusing on something relevant to the children's everyday lives, the teacher was able to create meaningful links between different subject areas and bring learning to life for the P1 pupils.
P4/5 pupils also undertook an imaginative project to help them learn about science in a different context. The project gave children a series of real challenges to uncover while using stories as the base for bringing the different subjects together. The tasks involved pupils working as a group to solve problems set in the world of an imaginary king.
Challenges included separating black ink into its constituent colours using the technique of chromatography, investigating simple reactions using everyday chemicals to clean coins and experimenting with different foodstuffs in the dyeing of fabrics.
By participating in investigative work, pupils developed the skills of scientific inquiry using practical techniques. They were able to develop their analytical thinking skills to make sense of scientific evidence and also learnt the need to apply safety measures during practical work.
Through creating another environment to learn in, Simpson Primary School has helped bring science to life for pupils and developed skills which can fulfil their potential in the real world.
Curriculum for Excellence was implemented in all Scottish nursery, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges in August 2010. For more information on how this will affect your child speak to your child's school or visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk