On Wednesday 12th November, Year 5 pupils from Caversham Prep visited Leighton Park for an exciting Chemistry Workshop exploring the water cycle. The day combined classroom-based discovery and hands-on practical experiments in the Science lab, designed to bring key scientific concepts vividly to life.
The session began with an introduction to the topic, after which the pupils created their own molecular models of water using molymods. With coloured spheres representing hydrogen and oxygen atoms, this interactive task helped the group visualise molecular structures and understand how atoms bond to form water molecules.
The pupils took part in a lively role-play activity that demonstrated how molecules behave in solids, liquids, and gases. By acting out the movement of particles in each state of matter, they developed a clear and memorable understanding of molecular motion and changes of state.
Led by Head of Chemistry, Rachel Milhofer, and Science Technician, Ellie Millard, the students investigated a working model of a solar still. This simple but effective device uses solar energy to purify water through evaporation and condensation. The pupils observed how water vapour condensed on the underside of cling film before dripping into a separate container — a miniature version of the natural processes that drive the Earth’s water cycle.
The highlight of the day came in the chemistry laboratories, where pupils earned their Bunsen Burner Licences and took part in a water distillation experiment. Joined by some of LP’s A Level Chemistry students, they learned how filtering and distillation can separate pure water from saltwater. Using Bunsen burners, the pupils carefully heated their samples to boiling point and observed first-hand the transformation from liquid to vapour and back again as condensation occurred.
Norah said he favourite part of the Chemistry Workshop was “EVERYTHING” whilst Cora’s best bit was “when we purified water using Bunsen burners”.
By the end of the workshop, the Year 5 pupils had deepened their understanding of the water cycle through a blend of theory, experimentation, and discovery. The visit provided a memorable opportunity to experience science in action and to see how the concepts they study in class connect to the world around them.
Click here to see more photographs from Caversham Prep’s visit.
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