Mrs Smart (Head of Science)

It has been wonderful to welcome our Lower Sixth scientists back into school to conduct some much needed practical work. 

The week kicked off with some Biology fieldwork at our very own Cople Fields! Mrs Wathen (Head of Biology) reflected on the day: “ Both the IB and A Level students had an introduction to population sampling and the use of quadrats and transects. The A Level students then completed the collection of data for core practical 12 - the effect of mowing on species diversity. They used the Simpson’s diversity index to calculate species diversity. They also looked at succession in the drainage ponds. The IB students collected all the data they required for their IAs. Their investigations included the effect of light intensity on the surface area of nettles."

Then on Tuesday, it was the turn of the chemists to complete some required practicals. The A level students prepared pure samples of benzoic acid, using the techniques of reflex and recrystallisation, and a series of investigations to analyse organic unknowns. The IB students were investigating the composition of iron tablets and the effect of surface area of potato on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

On Wednesday, Physics students had an opportunity to get hands on investigating simple harmonic motion and Young’s modulus.

The students have been studying these topics remotely for the past few weeks but this gave them the opportunity to clarify their understanding and put their theory in to practice. Both teachers and students were relieved to get back in the lab and hands-on again, as science should be, and it was so lovely to have some face-to-face contact after such a long absence.