At Astor International School, we believe that science is not just something to be read about in textbooks; it is a subject to be experienced, explored and enjoyed. Recently, Year 5 and 6 students have been diving deep into the fascinating world of science through our IPC (International Primary Curriculum) unit, which has a strong focus on hands-on learning. By engaging in creative, interactive projects, students have been able to better understand scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way.
Creating 3D Models of the Eye: Seeing Science Come to Life
One of the key topics in our science unit this term has been learning about the human eye. While studying the parts of the eye can be intriguing in theory, it can also be a bit abstract for students. To help bring this learning to life, Year 5 and 6 students were tasked with creating their own 3D models of the eye.
Working in small groups, students used various materials such as styrofoam balls, paper, and markers to construct their models. They carefully labelled each part of the eye—the cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, and more. This project not only allowed students to engage with the material in a hands-on way, but it also encouraged collaboration and creativity.
DIY Projector: Learning How Our Eyes Perceive Images
Another fascinating project we undertook this term was recreating a DIY projector using everyday materials—a cardboard box, a phone, and a magnifying glass. This simple but powerful experiment helped students understand how our eyes perceive images and how lenses work to focus light.
The process was straightforward: students placed a magnifying glass in one end of the cardboard box and positioned a phone screen upside down in front of the lens. When they turned off the lights and projected the phone screen through the magnifying glass, they observed that the image on the wall was upside down. This led to a discussion about how our eyes work similarly—when light enters the eye, the lens inverts the image, and it is the brain’s job to flip it right side up again.
Investigating Sound Waves: How Our Ears Detect Sound
Our exploration of the senses didn’t stop with sight—this term, the year 5’s and 6’s also dove into the mechanics of hearing by investigating how sound waves make our eardrums vibrate. To do this, we conducted an experiment that vividly demonstrated the invisible power of sound waves.
Students stretched cling wrap tightly over a large bowl and placed a small amount of rice on top. Then, we created loud sounds near the bowl, using drums, clapping, and even shouting. To their amazement, the rice began to move, jumping in response to the sound waves without being physically touched. This experiment helped students visualize how sound waves travel through the air, hitting our eardrums and causing them to vibrate in a similar way.
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