Dinosaurs, fossils, rockets and much more at Ramsbury Primary School

Pupils at Ramsbury Primary School have enjoyed a week of science and outdoor learning activities covering all aspects of the science curriculum.

Oxford Zoology Professor Kevin Foster visited on Tuesday July 17 and gave an exciting interactive talk about dinosaurs, fossils and evolution.  He answered the children’s biology related questions and inspired future scientists with his description of a day in the life of a Zoologist.

Responding to the professor’s talk Kitty (Y5) said, “We found out about how chickens and birds are actually dinosaurs.  I didn’t get how this could be, at first, but then we matched all the similarities together, and then I could see. It was incredible!!” 

“I found that Professor Foster’s research about bacteria was more complex than I could have imagined and I found it funny that Jurassic Park got Velociraptors so wrong!” Emily (Y5)

“I really enjoyed finding out that a Velociraptor had a big brain – I thought it had a small one.” George (Y3) 

“I loved learning about the different dinosaurs, they are very cool and I didn’t know birds are dinosaurs – that is weird!” Zara (Y3)

Science Subject Leader and Year 3 teacher, Mrs Abi Creed, said she was delighted to welcome Professor Foster, who provided some brilliant examples to illustrate the potential of a career in science.  “It was wonderful to have such an eminent scientist come in and talk to the children to launch our outdoor learning/science week.”

Professor Kevin Foster was not the only visitor.  Steve Shapland, known as Rocket Man from Explorer Dome ran hands on rocket science workshops for Years 3 to 6. 

Reception and Year 1 engaged in ‘fairytale’ science, working out how to save Rapunzel from the tower, the best way to build a sturdy house for the Three Little Pigs and how to make the strongest bridge for the Billy Goats Gruff.

Other children visited the Nature in Art Gallery and Museum and also learned about the wildlife living in the school grounds.  And the entire school also participated in a sponsored run.