Kirstine Walker
Kirstine Walker describes a recent Magic of Science show that her club ran and some practical tips for avoiding a school evacuation in the process.
Who runs the club?
Myself and Rachel Kelly (another Science teacher)
Club membership
21 members (10 boys and 11 girls)
Please describe the activity carried out and its aims.
The Magic of Science show. Pupils researched possible small scientific experiments suitable for a show. They then had to design their ‘act’ to go with it. They then presented their show to the whole of year 7 in an assembly. The aims of this activity were to raise the profile of the club in school and to get the pupils more comfortable presenting to an audience. Also to explore some ‘fun’ science.
Do you feel that the activity had a positive impact on the pupils? If so, please describe how.
The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the activity. They loved the idea of performing for the younger pupils and I think gained a lot of confidence in public speaking. We also videoed the performance and played it back to pupils (we will try to put this on the website).
Do you feel that the activity had a positive impact on the staff? If so, please describe how.
I really enjoyed it as did my co-leader. It was nice to give the pupils the freedom to explore Science and fantastic to see the way their confidence grew after their performance.
Do you have any useful tips for other teachers/club leaders on how to plan a good club activity?
If they decide to do a magic of science show, speak to the school caretakers to have the fire alarm temporarily turned off. We didn’t and set ours off!! Luckily we were in a separate dining hall so the school wasn’t evacuated.
Any future plans for the club?
We are currently working on a making torches project and planning a Christmas party for the members to bring their families into school and participate in some science and technology activities (Mrs Claus’ cookies – powder mystery) and etching the club logo on a gift for the parents).
