Aurora Keyes Barn pupils discover that science is for everyone

Experiences like this are incredibly valuable. For many of our pupils, the word 'scientist' can bring to mind a very specific stereotype, while the idea of attending university can feel out of reach. By spending the day in a real university laboratory, pupils were able to challenge those assumptions and see that science is for everyone.

"The real scientists were cool and didn't look like I expected." Pupil 

One pupil reflected: "I thought they'd look like Einstein with spiky hair. Now I know anyone can be a scientist."

Another added: "I hate the stereotypes that all scientists love explosions and are men, so it was very cool to be taught by three female scientists. They made a great team."

Throughout the day, pupils learnt about acids and alkalis, testing the pH of different liquids using real laboratory equipment, including pipettes, forceps and indicator paper. They discovered that acids and alkalis react to produce carbon dioxide gas and form a neutral solution.

Using this knowledge, pupils created their own bath bombs by combining acid and alkali powders. They personalised their creations with different colours and scents before taking them home to test.

One pupil said: "I loved making the bath bombs – I felt like a real scientist in my lab coat, goggles and gloves!"

Another explained: "It felt magical to be in the lab. I really enjoyed seeing chemical reactions and making my own bath bombs with acid and alkali powders. They reacted in my bath and made it fizz and smell like cherries."

After a well-earned lunch break, pupils returned to the laboratory to learn about states of matter and how particles are arranged in solids, liquids and gases. They were particularly fascinated by demonstrations involving dry ice, discovering how frozen carbon dioxide changes directly from a solid into a gas.

Building on their learning, pupils then made their own lip balms using beeswax, oils, colours and flavourings. By experimenting with ingredients that have different melting points, they created lip balms with different textures before taking home their finished products.

The trip clearly made a lasting impression. Pupils across the school spoke enthusiastically about their experiences and what they had learnt.

Comments included:

"The trip was mega fun! I'd love to learn more about explosions and cool science."

"I loved being a scientist and I'd like to be a scientist when I'm older."

"I learned lots about reactions and about liquids and gases."

"Seeing the dry ice going from solid to gas was really cool."

"Science is great."

Most importantly, the day sparked curiosity and encouraged pupils to think differently about science and their future possibilities.

Hearing pupils talk excitedly about science, immerse themselves in scientific learning and begin to imagine science as part of their future was incredibly rewarding.

One Class 3 pupil perhaps summed up the day best: "I loved making the bath bombs and lip balm – it was fun. The real-life scientists were really good and made me think of science completely differently. Science is everywhere!" 

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Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, Aurora Keyes Barn School in Preston is a specialist independent primary school for boys aged 5 to 12 with additional Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.