Spooky Science Lights Up Assemblies
Students in Years 7 to 10 enjoyed some explosive science assemblies this week, as the Science department brought a series of spectacular, spooky experiments to the stage.
Over four days, students watched jack-o’-lanterns burst into flame and glow in the dark, pumpkins foam over, and a mountain of “elephant’s toothpaste” erupt across the bench. They also saw dishes of flames burn in all the colours of the rainbow, a water bottle fill with fire in a dramatic “whoosh”, and hydrogen balloons ignite into giant fireballs above the stage.
Behind every bang was some fascinating chemistry. Students learned how hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air to produce water, and how the same gas powers the Sun through nuclear fusion.
For older students, the assemblies also looked to the future. With Year 9 beginning to think about their GCSE options, each demonstration was linked to real careers and the subjects that lead to them. The rainbow flames connected to careers in chemistry and forensic science, as well as apprenticeships at Devonport Dockyard. The hydrogen balloons led into aerospace engineering, with Spaceport Cornwall and Goonhilly Earth Station showing that space careers are right on our doorstep. Students also heard about Cornwall’s mining revival, with companies such as Cornish Lithium, Cornish Metals and Geothermal Engineering Ltd expecting thousands of new jobs over the next decade. Geothermal energy at United Downs is already helping to power up to 10,000 homes.
The message was clear: strong grades in maths and science can open the door to exciting careers, right here in Cornwall and Plymouth.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for four days of brilliant demonstrations that left students amazed and inspired!
Please don’t try these at home. All experiments were carried out by trained staff with full safety equipment.