In science lessons, the class studied spectroscopy. They learned that each element reflects and absorbs particular wavelengths of light. Astrophysicists analyse light dispersed by the atmosphere of exo-planets (planets outside of our solar system) to enable them to identify the elements that are present and hopefully even identify simple compounds that are necessary for life, such as water and methane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In humanities, Form 7 investigated the question: why does Uluru change colour in different light? Pupils learned about the cultural importance of Uluru to the Anangu people before exploring the science behind its colour. The class created layered topography models of Uluru to represent the rock’s shape. Using torches to simulate sunlight at different times of day, they then tested how light changes what we see. Pupils observed how shadows and light angles made the models appear darker or more vibrant. They also discovered that the iron in Uluru’s sandstone and the angle of the sunlight help to create its famous changing colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In French, the class took part in a fun Mystery Object Challenge. An orange object was hidden in a bag and pupils had to guess what it was using a list of useful yes/no questions in French. With Chromebooks to support their answers, F7 developed enquiry skills, formed hypotheses and explored language learning through curiosity. Objects included an orange, a photo of a sunset and an autumn leaf.

As the Amazon project draws to a close, the class have been using English lessons for finishing off and organising their now very full folders into a semblance of order, including putting together a contents page to help guide readers through all of their hard work. For Science Week, the colour orange elicited some thoughtful and creative writing about natural phenomena of that colour. Sunrises and sunsets, Saharan dust and sandstorms and flowing lava were just some of the topics about which the children chose to create prose and poems.