Pupils in Third and Fourth class carried out an array of experiments during Science Week

The following experiment  Separating Pepper from Salt explored energy and forces.

Pupils learned how to separate pepper from salt using a balloon.They rubbed a balloon  against their  hair  and learned that small particles called “Electrons” transferred  from their  hair to the balloon.These electrons have a negative electrical charge that draws to it the salt and pepper which have a positive electrical charge(opposites attract).But the pepper which is lighter than the salt will be drawn to the balloon from a bigger distance.

Forces-Simple Machines

Pupils in 3rd and 4th class learned all about Forces.

So what is a force?

A force can make an object move, slow down, stop moving or change direction. It can also make an object change size or shape. If you want to move an object you have to apply force (push or pull).

Simple Machines

In Science ,an object that makes a force stronger is called a simple machine. Simple machines have few moving parts or none at all, but they can still make work easier.

Engineers design and make structures and machines:

Civil engineers –design roads and bridges: Software engineers-design computer programmes

Aerospace engineers-design aeroplanes and parts of aeroplanes:Electrical engineers designs and develops new electrical systems.

There are six main types of simple machine :

1. Inclined Plane-Example a ramp, sloping road, slide
2. Wheel and axle: Roller skates(the roller is a wheel and the rod joining them is an axle, Door handle, cars. merry-go-round, potter’s wheel,bicycle
3. Wedge-axe, knife, shovel
4. Screw-jar lid, drill, light bulb, bottle cap
5. Lever-hammer, ,crowbar, wheelbarrow, see-saw ,handle on suitcase ,scissors, pliers, hinge of door
6. Pulley-flag pole ,elevator,sails on a boat, clothes line 

A force meter , also known as a spring balance measures force is grammes and in Newtons .

Rough or uneven surfaces apply an invisible force called friction which slows down a moving object.

The pupils explored the school and home environment looking for the different examples of simple machines.

Here are some pictures of different examples of simple machines.