STEAM Week
A Week of Wonder at St John’s Beaumont!
St John’s Beaumont recently celebrated its annual STEAM Week, a dynamic event filled with hands-on learning and exciting workshops focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Pupils from all year groups engaged in a variety of activities designed to spark their curiosity and enhance their understanding of STEAM subjects.
Art & Science: A Powerful Combination
Nursery: Inspired by the story of “Walter’s Wonderful Web,” our youngest learners embarked on a shapes adventure. They explored basic 2D shapes, learning about their properties as they built strong webs using PVA glue, salt, and colorful water. As the water interacted with the salt crystals, the webs transformed before their eyes, a mesmerizing display of science in action!
Reception and Year 1: Get ready for a taste of (imaginary) Australia! Reception and Year 1 students explored chemical reactions through a sensory story called “Wombat Stew.” They donned their lab coats (well, aprons!) and experimented with bicarbonate soda and colored vinegar to create their own bubbling, fizzing stew. Emu feathers, gumnuts, and a dash of billabong mud (courtesy of the art room) added to the sensory experience, making science a truly immersive adventure.
Year 2: Year 2 students became secret agents this week, uncovering the mysteries of invisible ink! They learned about acids and alkalines as they crafted secret messages with an invisible ink solution. Their partners, acting as decoders, used a special acid wash to reveal the hidden code – a fun and interactive way to explore scientific principles.
Journeys of Discovery: Year 3 students enjoyed a visit to the Winchester Science Centre, where they interacted with various exhibits and engaged in fun, educational activities. The excitement was palpable as they explored the wonders of science through interactive displays.
Meanwhile, Year 4 and Year 5 pupils visited Kew Gardens, where they were enchanted by the diverse plant life and the beauty of the gardens. This trip offered a unique opportunity to learn about botany and the environment in an inspiring and immersive setting.
Middle and Upper School: Delving into the history of photography, our middle and upper school students became alchemists of light. They experimented with Cyanotypes, the oldest form of camera-less photography. Using paper treated with an iron salt solution, they placed objects on the surface and let the sun work its magic. The UV light transformed their creations, leaving behind beautiful “x-ray” images – a true testament to the synergy of art and science!
Building the Future: One of the highlights of the week was the robotics workshop led by Hyett Education. In this session, students from years 5 – 8 programmed and built LEGO robots, developing skills in coding and engineering. Our budding engineers really enjoyed seeing their robots follow commands along a set path!
CSI: St. John’s Beaumont In another captivating workshop, ‘Thinkers in Education’ presented a CSI-themed session. Pupils delved into the world of forensic science, learning about fingerprints, collecting and processing DNA, and using data to solve crimes. This hands-on approach to learning provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of criminal investigation and the science behind it.
A Universe of Exploration: All pupils, from nursery to Rudiments, had the chance to visit the inflatable planetarium, Wonderdome, where they were transported to outer space. They learned about planets, stars, and the vastness of the universe in an engaging and visually stimulating environment. This immersive experience ignited a sense of wonder and sparked a passion for scientific exploration.
STEAM Week at St. John’s Beaumont was a resounding success!
