It was an exciting week for our Year 4 pupils as they headed to the Science Lab to qualify for their Bunsen Burner Licences. This is an impressive milestone for pupils of their age, and one which sparked plenty of curiosity and confidence.
Guided by Mrs Tomlinson, the children were introduced to the key parts of the Bunsen Burner and learned how to connect it safely to the gas supply, light it using a splint, and identify the different flames. They discovered how and when to use the safety flame and the roaring flame, practised moving and turning the burners off correctly, and, most importantly, demonstrated great care and awareness in handling scientific equipment.
With their licences secured, the pupils then put their new skills to the test as part of their current topic on States of Matter. Armed with stopwatches, they investigated how long it took for three different solids – chocolate, cheese, and ice – to melt completely when heated. Their results showed chocolate was the slowest to turn to liquid, while ice and cheese sparked a lively debate: was the test fair, given the different sizes of ice cubes? The ensuing discussion showed real scientific thinking, as pupils considered the importance of controlled variables in experiments.
Investigations like this are a hallmark of science at Terra Nova, where hands-on learning encourages pupils not only to develop practical skills but also to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think critically. Year 4 are already looking forward to their next visit to the lab.
