The week of scientific exploration (11 – 18 March) was led by Lowri David, Lead Practitioner Science and STEM, who is also a National Space Academy, Space Advocate.Ms David said: “It was an exhilarating week, designed to ignite curiosity, inspire exploration and showcase the wonder and fun of Science. All events proved very popular and the feedback from students was excellent, it was brilliant to see them enjoying science and STEM so much. It was a hands-on week, students didn’t just observe, they took part, conducting experiments, competing and discovering the wonder of Science for themselves. 

“Colfox buzzed with activity, as the week kicked off with an amazing falconry show by Xtreme Falconry students then queued to get into the lunchtime workshops, which saw them experimenting with making (and eating) Ice Cream on Monday, putting Slime under the spotlight on Tuesday and exploring the weather, dry ice and the Leidenfrost effect on Wednesday.  

“Dissecting organs and encountering eyeballs took place during Thursday lunchtime. This gave students a profound appreciation for the complexity of the systems that keep us alive and a deeper respect for life and its intricate processes. On Friday students experimented carefully with ‘Fire Writing’ tracing letters with a chemical solution, which when waved created a chemical reaction and a magical trail of glowing light!”  

Students also competed in STEM-based challenges. Year 7 created egg-protection devices to see whose egg could survive a dramatic drop from the top of the fire escape! Year 8 created slingshot cars from recycled materials, which were tested for speed and efficiency. Year 9 explored aerodynamics, as their challenge involved making and launching rockets, which were made air-borne with pressurised water. The winning rocket achieved the longest flight time. 

Colfox was delighted to welcome back former student Dr Martin Galpin, Associate Head of Department and Director of Studies at Oxford University, who came back to his alma mater to lead a workshop with our Year 11 biologists.   

The week was very popular with students, Lily in Year 7 said: “Thank you for going through all the effort of organising Science Week for us. I really enjoyed the birds of prey show and dropping eggs off the balcony.” Scarlett also in Year 7 said: “I really enjoyed dry ice it was so much fun and I had never seen anything like it before! I also really loved slime during lunch it was really cool and fun!” Harvey, Year 7, added: “Thank you very much for Science Week. I really enjoyed making the egg protector and dropping it on Friday last week! I also really enjoyed dissecting the pig's organs and making ice cream!”