At Smiling International School, our third, fourth, and fifth-grade students recently participated in interactive physics workshops led by experts from the University of Ferrara. The sessions aimed to bridge classroom theory with practical, real-world experiments.
Discovering Light and Heat
Third-grade students explored the fascinating properties of light and heat. They conducted experiments with mirrors, prisms, and lenses, gaining a deeper understanding of how light bends, reflects, and interacts with materials.
One of the highlights was when students experimented with a special liquid or acid that begins to boil at human body temperature. Watching it react in their hands or with minimal heat was not only cool to see, but also gave them insight into how pressure affects boiling points.
Exploring Pressure and Vacuum
Fourth grade students immersed themselves in the invisible yet powerful forces of pressure and vacuum through a series of fascinating experiments that made complex concepts come alive.
One of the experiments that students loved was on how clouds form – by creating a mini cloud inside a bottle. By manipulating air pressure and introducing moisture, they watched a misty cloud appear before their eyes—turning abstract meteorological concepts into something they could touch and see.
Building Circuits and Exploring Electricity
Fifth grade students took a closer look at electricity—not just as a concept in a textbook, but as a force they could control and manipulate. With wires, batteries, bulbs, and motors, they built simple circuits and explored how electricity flows. They tested what materials conduct electricity and discovered how to create switches and power small devices. For many students, this was their first time building circuits, and the sense of accomplishment was electric—literally and figuratively!
Fostering Inquiry and Collaboration
The workshops sparked more than just curiosity—they nurtured critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific inquiry. All sessions were conducted in English, ensuring accessibility for all students and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
We’re incredibly proud of how our students engaged with the experiments, asked thoughtful questions, and worked together to solve problems. These workshops weren’t just about learning facts—they were about discovering how science explains the world around us.
