Education
Key Stage 4 (14 - 16 years)
Lego® MindstormsTM Mission to Mars
This is a fantastic skills-based challenge. Pupils must think about the challenge and construct and program their robot to fulfil the task in a competitive environment. The session incorporates teamwork, problem solving, logical thinking, decision-making and the use of ICT in a different environment.
Years 8-12 Duration : 50 mins
(Max 16 pupils)
Pupils will combine their knowledge of biology with iMac software to create their own animation. Following activities and discussion about the roles of the various joints in our bodies, pupils will then have to consider the sequence of events which occur every time they walk, sit, stand or run - everyday actions they take for granted.
Years 8-12 Duration : 90 mins
This is a fun workshop that develops teamwork and problem solving skills. Using K'Nex, pupils work in small teams to design and construct a racing buggy. After a testing and improving session, the pupils carry out a fair test to find the ultimate machine. Highly competitive and fun!
Years 8-13 Duration : 50 mins
Chemical Reactions
Pupils work in W5's lab and explore a variety of reactions including combustion, neutralisation and oxidation reactions. They must determine if the changes involved are physical or chemical.
Years 9-11 Duration : 50 mins
Do newspapers always give the full story? Pupils find out which factors they need to consider when reading a science article, how important headlines are and the difference images can make to an article. This workshop aims to spark pupils' interest in newspapers and encourage their critical thinking. Newspapers Inside and Out can be combined with a visit to the Belfast Telegraph site. Details are available on booking. Pupils are required to have good literacy skills for this workshop.
Years 11-13 Duration : 50 mins
Pupils find out how tropical storms develop into hurricanes and learn of their impact on people and places. They work in small groups or 'emergency taskforces', charged with limiting casualties and disruption from an imminent hurricane.
Years 8-12 Duration : 50 mins
Genes and Stripy Socks
Pupils use their own personalised gene card to find out about their genes (genotype) and how these determine their characteristics (phenotype). Using Punnett squares, they then look at the influence their genes would have on their children. Different types of inherited conditions will also be discussed, covering autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and sex-linked disorders.
Years 11-13 Duration : 50 mins
Immunity
Through demonstrations and practical activities pupils take a closer look at how the immune system works and the body's different lines of defence. They explore the effects and symptoms of a variety of bacterial and viral diseases, then carry out a simulated HIV test to help understand the role of antibodies and how they work.
Years 11-13 Duration : 50 mins