Allison Barnes
Allison Barnes reveals how jelly babies scream with a lilac flame.
Who runs the club?
Myself & Jo Wiggins (Senior Laboratory Technician)
Club membership
25 regular attendees
Please describe the activity carried out and its aims.
Flame tests: the aim was to learn what flame colours are produced by metal compounds and then use that knowledge to suggest why the screaming jelly baby burned with a lilac flame
Do you feel that the activity had a positive impact on the pupils? If so, please describe how.
Yes:
· It has increased their enjoyment/participation in normal Science lessons
· They have made new friends
· They have worked with others outside their own year group
· They have a greater scientific knowledge and understanding of subjects outside the National Curriculum – they now know which metal makes which firework colour!
· New students want to join
What has been the response from students?
“We did flame tests on metal compounds to find out which metals produce which colours”
“We observed a demonstration of the Screaming jelly baby and then suggested which metal might be in jelly babies using our new knowledge of flame colours”.
“The caramel smell was yummy!“
Do you feel that the activity had a positive impact on the staff? If so, please describe how.
Yes:
· We look forward to working with the students outside the normal classroom environment
· We enjoy finding new activities to do
· We enjoy sourcing new learning resources
Do you have any useful tips for other teachers/club leaders on how to plan a good club activity?
Yes:
· Be organised and plan ahead
· Advertise the club weekly
· Be creative in your choice of novel activities that will hold the students’ interest
· Make things that the students can take home to show an adult and explain to them how it works
Any future plans for the club
National Physics Laboratory water rocket challenge
CREST awards
