The “Lab in a lorry” from the Institute of Physics was at Blacon High School for three days. Guided by expert volunteers, our students experienced a range of hands-on Physics experiments. In the Medical Physics zone, students investigated the total internal reflection of light and explored the use of optical fibres. Budding surgeons then applied their knowledge of optical fibres and used an endoscope to perform key-hole surgery on a dummy patient.

Students smashed a couple of wine glasses, not by dropping them, but by using soundwaves. Students took a scientific approach, first of all learning about the theory, before then carrying out an experiment to break a glass.

Why is the sky blue? This was the question answered by our students in the final zone, where they explored how light waves travelling from the sun are scattered as they pass through Earth’s atmosphere. We now understand why we get a red sky at night.

Year 8 student Kia Piggott, 12, said “I loved learning why the sky is blue and now my mum and dad now know too.”

The “Lab in a lorry” visited Blacon High School as part of a project with Institute of Physics in partnership with OPITO, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Schlumberger Foundation and STEMNET. Blacon High School’s involvement with the project will continue throughout the academic year.

Head of Science John Lacey explained that “The hour that each of our students enjoyed, engaging with the Physics activities in the lorry, will have a long term impact on learning. We will be able to build on the enthusiasm and understanding the students gained, as we teach linked topics in the curriculum.”