Over 120 children from across Barking and Dagenham have taken part in a national campaign to celebrate the wonderful world of science.

Hosted by Eastbrook Primary School, The Great Science Share for Schools saw 13 schools from all over the borough come together to share their work with special guest Robert Ratford, the Sci Guy, and ask questions, such as:

1. How does your body digest food?

2. Is plastic really destroying the earth?

3. Why do cat’s glow at night?

4. When is the best time to catch my shadow?

The students also worked with Danielle Wakefield who led the children in composing their own science song.

Developed by Science and Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH) at The University of Manchester and working with BBC Terrific Scientific, the scheme aims to inspire young people to share their science learning with new audiences.

Local organisers of the Great Science Share for Barking and Dagenham Schools, Kulvinder Johal (Primary Science Teaching Trust) and Liz Lawrence (Barking and Dagenham School Improvement Partnership) said: “We very much enjoyed welcoming our local schools to this event and learning from the children about their scientific discoveries. Eastbrook School were great hosts and their children shared some exciting investigations. 

“Thanks to headteacher, Evan Hollows, Science Share organiser, Julia Cutri, and all their colleagues. Science communication is a vital skill and the Great Science Share for Schools creates the perfect opportunity for children to share their learning in interesting and dynamic ways.” 

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, commented on the event: “Science is part of all of our lives every single day, so it is important that our young people understand its relevance.

“I am pleased that the pupils had this fantastic opportunity and am grateful to the local organisers for bringing Robert Ratford and Danielle Wakefield to work with our schools.”