Changing States Experiment

5th February 2026Nicola Robson

Today we conducted an experiment to see what would happen to chocolate when we applied heat.

We put 3 pieces of chocolate in a metal bowl inside a bowl filled with hot water.

To begin with the chocolate was solid.

We timed in 1 minute intervals and observed and recorded what happened to the chocolate.

After 4 minutes the chocolate was completely melted and was a liquid.

We put the chocolate back in the fridge for half an hour to see if it would change state again.

After 30 minutes it was a solid again!

How does Earth move through space?

19th January 2026Laura Godley

Children in Crew Godley have been exploring where we live in the universe. They have created their own informative video, using key scientific vocabulary to explain their ideas. This was a great activity to deepen their understanding of how the Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun.

Balloon Rocket Challenge: Exploring Forces in Action

13th January 2026Laura Godley

Today, Crew Godley took part in an exciting Balloon Rocket Challenge, exploring ‘Our Place in Space’. They put their scientific thinking to the test as they explored how rockets travel through space and the forces that make them move.

The lesson began with a crew discussion about rockets and space travel. We shared our ideas about how rockets launch and what helps them move. We then worked together to construct balloon rockets. As the balloons were released, children observed how air rushing out created a force that pushed the rocket forward along the string.

We measured and recorded the distance the rockets travelled, comparing results, noticing that rockets travelled different distances depending on how much air was inside the balloon. This led to thoughtful discussion and excellent use of scientific language.

We concluded that a stronger force created more motion, helping the rocket travel a greater distance. 

Crew McLoughlin’s Plant-Tastic Lesson!

14th October 2025Charlotte Newman

Today, Crew McLoughlin had a fantastic expedition science lesson learning about the different parts of plants and their roles. The class explored real plants kindly shared from Miss Newman’s mum’s garden, which made the lesson extra special!

Students carefully examined roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, discussing how each part helps the plant grow and stay healthy. They loved getting hands-on with the plants and spotting the unique features of each one.

Classifying Plants!

8th October 2025Charlotte Newman

This week, Crew McLoughlin became young scientists as they learned how to classify different plants. They looked closely at leaves, stems, and flowers – they even got to touch and feel many of the plants to notice their textures and features (but not the cactus, of course)! The crew loved comparing what they found and talking about how scientists group plants based on their characteristics.

Incredible Inventions on Roald Dahl Day!

2nd October 2025Charlotte Newman

This afternoon for our science lesson, Crew McLoughlin let their imaginations run wild and became inventors to dream up their very own crazy inventions, inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. From zipable chocolate bars to unlimited sweet machines, the ideas were as magical as a Roald Dahl story itself.

Crew McLoughlin worked in mini crews to sketch, design, and name their inventions. Each group was challenged to think not only about what their creation would do, but also why we needed it.

Once the inventions were designed, in true Dragon’s Den style, we presented our designs to the rest of the crew. With confidence and plenty of imagination, the children sold their ideas as if they were about to launch them in the real world. We were all blown away by the originality and enthusiasm of every team, making our decision a very tough one indeed.

At the end, the crew voted for their favourite sales pitch. The winning teams walked away with the sweetest prize of all—chocolate, of course!

Exploring Shadows

2nd October 2025Nicola Robson

Today in case study two we began to explore shadows. We used torches to explore how shadows are formed and how the distance and position of the light source affects the length of the shadows.

Then we learnt how the Romans used shadows to tell the time using sundials. The sun made the gnomon cast a shadow and this told them what time of the day it was. Finally we had a go at making our own sundials. Unfortunately the sun wasn’t shining so we had to test them out inside using the torches.