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It was with great excitement that we boarded the coach and joined Elton Primary School on the 11th March to visit the Science Adventure Centre at Magna in Rotherham.
Class 2 have been learning all about forces in science lessons, so the visit was a great way to experience forces in action in a hands on and interactive way.
From the ‘oohs and arhs’ heard around the room it was apparent that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Balloons and Rockets workshop in which we learned about the history of hot air balloons and how they work. Witnessing the mini-hot air balloons in action was particularly exciting as they soared upwards. We found out what makes a rocket move and investigated making one from everyday materials. Squeals of excitement could be heard all around as the children watched their mini rockets shoot upwards with considerable force.
The remainder of the visit was spent exploring the four pavilions – Earth, Air, Fire and Water. In the Air Pavilion we learnt that moving air exerts a force and about the impact of moving air on structures – experiencing the power of the wind on a suspension bridge. In the Fire Pavilion we viewed the spectacular fire tornado and learned about the heating and cooling of materials. The Earth Pavilion was a mining and quarrying interactive zone where we learned all about pulleys. In the final pavilion – Water – as well as getting wet, we enjoyed experiencing the power of water and about how we use and move vast amounts of water on earth.
The walkways linking the four pavilions are extremely atmospheric as they draw you into the story of steel making. Images and sounds of what it would have been like to experience at first hand the steel making industry in its prime, are projected all around as you walk across the steel platforms suspended high above the factory floor.
This was definitely a school trip that had a big impact and from listening to the children’s excited comments it was a great success.
“I had an exciting day because we did our own experiments and had opportunities to have hands on experiences.”
“A hands-on experience that was enjoyable, educational and safe and an overall amazing experience which I would definitely love to do again another day.”
“I loved the Earth Pavilion because I enjoyed discovering and exploring the pulleys.”
“I enjoyed the Water Pavilion because we had fun getting wet. I will definitely go again.”