Feeling the force of physics
Pupils in our Dorset Partnership have been exploring the universe.
Published: 19 February 2025
“Our Ogden collaboration allows us to share ideas, plan effective CPD, and provide enriching learning experiences for our children across the cluster.”
The Learning First Alliance Ogden Partnership in Dorset has been feeling the force of some fabulous physics with planetarium visits to the partnership primary schools. At the Prince of Wales School, each class had the opportunity to step inside the immersive planetarium dome, where they explored the wonders of the night sky, discovering planets and galaxies right before their eyes.
“The interactive sessions engaged students with stunning visuals and fascinating facts about space, deepening their understanding of astronomy,” explains Becci Thorpe, partnership co-ordinator and Year 2 teacher at The Prince of Wales School. “The visit sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for science, leaving pupils inspired by the vastness of the universe.”
Following their exciting astronomical explorations, pupils got hands-in with their science lessons in a space-themed week where they carried out some inspiring investigations. EYFS made their own parachutes and KS1 investigated which materials were best for astronaut helmets. KS2 researched the best materials for a parachute and discovered how the area of the parachute affects the speed at which it falls.
The pupils in Year 3 have also been getting busy with their Phizzi Forces resources. Pupils have been using newton metres to investigate friction as they explored how different surfaces affect grip and testing magnets to find out which is the strongest.
“Our Ogden collaboration allows us to share ideas, plan effective CPD, and provide enriching learning experiences for our children across the cluster,” explains Becci.
“We work closely with five other local first schools to enhance the teaching of physics,” she continues. “The Phizzi CPD on forces, for example, equipped us with high-quality resources, ensuring we can deliver engaging and effective physics lessons. Being part of the Ogden Trust strengthens our network, fostering a supportive and innovative approach to science education. We’re only in our first year but we can’t wait to see what else is yet to come!”