The focal topics of Term 3’s Science Main Lesson were Electricity and Magnetism. Our students started by learning about the early pioneers into discoveries, from the Greek polymath Thales experimenting with static charges, to Benjamin Franklin who put his life on the line trying to catch lighting while flying a conductive kite in a thunderstorm.

There we progressed to chemical electricity, where we hooked up a series of lemons to make a crude chemical battery that could produce enough electricity to power a light bulb.  We have performed several experiments this term, such as the open/closed circuit of a skill tester, generating a ‘buzz’ of electricity in our mouths and seeing how cell voltage can be amplified using a ‘voltaic pile.’ 

We will finish the term by learning about magnetism, its origins, its effects, and its relationship with electricity. The students will produce a simple electromagnetic motor to demonstrate how we use magnets to help us in our everyday lives. 

Simon Griffiths

Class 7 Friday Main Lesson Teacher