Year 5 Scientists Ignite Curiosity at George Eliot Academy

Thirty Year 5 pupils swapped their classrooms for a secondary science laboratory , spending 90 minutes at George Eliot Academy in an experience that brought the energy of real scientific enquiry to life.

The visit saw the young scientists roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with Bunsen burners, using the open flames to ignite a range of common crisps as part of a structured investigation into energy transfer. The experiment tasked pupils with exploring how the chemical energy stored within different crisp varieties could be converted into heat energy, which was then used to raise the temperature of water held above the flame.

Working methodically through the investigation, pupils tested a selection of crisp brands and flavours, carefully measuring temperature changes in the water to draw comparisons between the energy content of each sample. The activity provided a vivid, real-world illustration of calorimetry — the science of measuring heat — and gave children a tangible understanding of how food labels and nutritional energy values are determined.

George Eliot’s hosting scientist for the visit praised the children’s conduct throughout the session, noting that behaviour was exceptional from start to finish. Pupils listened attentively to safety briefings, followed laboratory protocols with care, and demonstrated a level of focus and maturity that drew admiration from academy staff.

Teachers accompanying the group said the children left buzzing with questions and enthusiasm, with many keen to explore the science behind energy content further back in their own classroom.

The trip forms part of a broader commitment to enriching science education beyond the standard curriculum, giving pupils access to specialist equipment and environments that inspire the next generation of scientists.