Knowledge

The children have an opportunity to revise the units from the year:

• Mixtures and separation.
• Properties and changes.
• Earth and space.
• Circulation and health.
• Light and reflection.

Working scientifically

Through the context of the enquiry question ‘How reflective are space blankets?,’ the children investigate how heat is reflected by measuring heat lost from a bottle of warm water wrapped in a space blanket. They predict the outcome, design a results table and gather data before plotting them on a line graph. They analyse model results, learn how to structure a conclusion and then apply these skills to their own results. The enquiry cycle concludes with an evaluation of the trustworthiness of their experiment.

Science in action

The children explore why NASA invented space blankets and how they have been repurposed on Earth for use in first aid and survival situations because of their insulating properties.