May 2021

In Science we have been exploring states of matter.

We used scientific evidence to answer questions and to support our findings. We carried out an investigation to see if we could keep a paper towel dry under water.

This is what we did:

Step 1 – Fill a large container full of water. 

Step 2 – Put some paper towel at the bottom of the cup.

Step 3 – Turn the cup upside down. When you do this, the paper towel should stay at the bottom of the cup. If it slips down, push it back up inside the cup. 

Step 4 – Carefully lower the cup straight down into the water. Ensure that the cup does not tip to the side. Lower the cup until it is completely submerged.

Step 5 – Pull the cup straight out of the water. 

How does the dry paper towel science experiment work?

Even though you can’t see it, air is made up of matter. Because air is made of matter it has mass and volume which means that it takes up space. This experiment shows that very clearly. When the cup is lowered in the water, air is trapped inside of the cup because of the water pushing up from below. Air is less dense than water so it is able to stay on top of the water. The paper towel will not get wet as long as the air stays in the cup. If you tip the cup (even slightly), the air trapped in the cup will rush out in the form of bubbles. Water will then rush in and the paper towel will get wet.

In CCCS we have been working on developing our skills through the use of different techniques using different materials. 

We looked at different pencils and how they range from hard lead 'H' pencils to black lead 'B' pencils.

We learnt about how these pencils can be used to show a range of tones and textures when drawing. We tried out some of these techniques ourselves in our books...

We also looked at how we can use charcoal to create pictures and the different techniques we can use in our work to show a range of tones. We also learned how to use our fingers for effective smudging. We used images of the Fish Roundabout in Erith Town Centre as our inspiration. 

Another material we have used is clay. Linked to our history work on the Anglo-Saxons, we learned that the Fish Roundabout links to the historic coat of arms of the town, derived from the De Luci family who were granted to lands after the Norman conquest. Gary Drostle is the artist who designed and made the glass mosaic covered sculpture of three entwined fish.

We thought about what we would replace the sculpture with if we could be in charge of the design. We chose something that linked to the discoveries from the Anglo-Saxon times such as Viking Longships, brooches or shields. We used a variety of techniques to mold the clay; pinching, rolling, joining etc. 

Here are some of our models...