Cowplain pupils get picky about bettering the earth

PUPILS had bags of fun as they put their science heads together to learn how to improve the planet.
From left, Annabelle Snares, Laila Harvey, Oliver Osborne and Lydia Bower. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-8363)From left, Annabelle Snares, Laila Harvey, Oliver Osborne and Lydia Bower. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-8363)
From left, Annabelle Snares, Laila Harvey, Oliver Osborne and Lydia Bower. Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-8363)

Children at Padnell Infant School in Cowplain celebrated British Science Week with five days of educational activities, including a litter pick.

The move was part of a national campaign to get youngsters involved in hands-on science demonstrations, and this year’s celebration was all about good change.

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Emma Vanstone, teacher and science co-ordinator at the school, said: ‘Children are our future and we need to make sure they grow up with good habits, and understand they can make a difference even at their age.

From left, Robyn Gammans, Abigail Bath and Jack Withy. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4269)From left, Robyn Gammans, Abigail Bath and Jack Withy. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4269)
From left, Robyn Gammans, Abigail Bath and Jack Withy. Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4269)

‘We started on Monday with information about gas and electricity and how much we use it, which led to turning all electrics at the school off on Tuesday.

‘The children measured how much energy we saved across the two days.

‘On Wednesday they learnt about renewable energy sources and created models on how to use solar, wind, and water energy.

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‘Thursday was all about recycling and we had performers from Quantum Theatre visit to put on a special recycling-themed show, with the message to “reduce, reuse and recycle!”.’

From left, Ethan Few, Maisie Stewart, Adam Collins, Joseph Grimmer, Sophia Stevens and Keresi Stanhope. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4259)From left, Ethan Few, Maisie Stewart, Adam Collins, Joseph Grimmer, Sophia Stevens and Keresi Stanhope. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4259)
From left, Ethan Few, Maisie Stewart, Adam Collins, Joseph Grimmer, Sophia Stevens and Keresi Stanhope. Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4259)

Pupils then took part in a litter pick with plastic gloves and rubbish sacks. Year 1 students searched the school grounds and Year 2 the Forest of Bere.

Ms Vanstone added: ‘Children found a range of litter including beer cans and crisp packets, we collated it in the playground so parents could see how much they picked up.

‘They also brought in items for recycling from home and turned them into models.

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‘On Friday the kids got together with pupils from our junior school to talk about what they’d been doing all week.

From left, Robyn Gammans, Abigail Bath and Jack Withy. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4269)From left, Robyn Gammans, Abigail Bath and Jack Withy. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4269)
From left, Robyn Gammans, Abigail Bath and Jack Withy. Picture: Sarah Standing (170393-4269)

‘They’ve all absolutely loved taking part.

‘Some pupils even went home and asked parents to look at their meters.’

Children at the school seem to have enjoyed learning how to better the planet. Seven-year-old Emily Donnelly from Year 2 said: ‘This week was pretty good. We learnt that gas and electricity is harmful to our planet so did a no electricity day.

‘At first I thought the idea was scary but it was good because it wasn’t too dark.’

While Robyn Gammans, seven, and also from Year 2, added: ‘My favourite part about the litter pick was how fun it was, knowing we were helping to reduce, reuse and recycle!’