This week at The Wisbech Academy, our Year 7 students enthusiastically participated in British Science Week, delving into the theme “Change and Adapt” through a series of exciting activities in their science lessons.

A highlight of the week was a special guest talk from Mairenn, a PhD student from the University of Cambridge. Mairenn shared her research on evolution and ecosystems, specifically focusing on the behaviour of cuckoos in Zambia. The students were highly engaged, asking insightful questions about her daily activities, the challenges she encounters in the field, and the discoveries she has made. Mairenn's passion for her work and her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge were evident, leaving a strong impression on the students. This session was a highlight of the week, offering an inspiring experience that sparked curiosity and excitement about the natural world.

Additionally, students were thrilled by live science demonstrations, where they witnessed experiments in action and learnt about key scientific concepts in an engaging and interactive manner.

What Happens Without Air? In the vacuum chamber demo, students saw how a balloon expanded as air was removed, demonstrating the effects of atmospheric pressure. This is linked to real-world science, explaining why astronauts wear pressurised suits in space and why our ears pop at high altitudes.

 A Foamy Surprise. A dramatic reaction between hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst produced a huge foam eruption. This experiment showed how oxygen gas is released rapidly, explaining chemical reactions and how catalysts speed things up—a highlight of the day!

Dry Ice – Science That’s Cool (Literally!) Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, doesn’t melt into a liquid like normal ice—it turns straight into gas. Students watched as it created thick fog, demonstrating sublimation. They also learnt how dry ice is used in medicine, food storage, and special effects.

A Fiery Finale. One of the most exciting demos was the Whoosh Bottle experiment. Ethanol vapours were ignited inside a bottle, creating a loud ‘whoosh’ as the fuel combusted. This showed how energy is released in combustion—just like in car engines and rocket launches.

British Science Week at The Wisbech Academy was a resounding success, inspiring our young scientists to explore and appreciate the wonders of science.