Year 6 Enjoy Science Lecture ‘Gases in the Air’ with Tim Harrison

On Thursday this week the Year 6 cohort were treated to a fascinating and inspiring lecture around the theme of ‘Gases in the Air’. The lecture, that took place at Sherborne Girls’ School, was packed with intriguing chemical facts and every pause was filled with variety of fizzes, pops and bangs.

“I could feel the heat from the third row back!” Alfie B.

Pupils were taught about specific elements that make up the air; witnessing the coldest shower in the universe using liquid nitrogen, why McDonald’s don’t use hydrogen to fill their balloons and that despite certain natural odours we are familiar with, pure methane gas is in fact odourless!

Many of our students were quite horrified to discover that when in the classroom they inhale their teacher’s water vapour. This image was brought to life through a demonstration involving dry ice.

After the lecture had finished, we enjoyed discussing our favourite facts and best bits from the lecture over a cooked lunch provided by Sherborne Girls’ School. Toby C feeling particularly delighted to still have his eyebrows, after being selected to ignite one of the hydrogen balloons.

The Year 6s were the pride of the school; exhibiting excellent manners and behaviour, as well as asking well considered questions whilst in the lecture. They returned to school more informed on future careers that involve knowledge of these aspects of chemistry, and with an inspiration and desire to discover more.

Mr Brown

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