STEM Science Show at Highercombe #3
Ever heard the saying, “good things come in threes”? Well, our third visit to Highercombe met that expectation also.
Viraj kicked off our Science Show with his demonstration of using a black light with various solutions – tap water, tonic water and highlighter liquid reacting to the black light set up in a dark space. Viraj and Neil invited our Highercombe friend, Patricia to be their science contestant in the making of elephant toothpaste. Ryan demonstrated his stored energy experiment which propelled a rubber band boat kinetically through the water – a much loved activity for each resident in the audience. And Lucas’ final act of the Science show invited the residents to feel the liquid and solid matters in a substance called oobleck – corn starch mixed with water in a 2:1 ratio. With side games of bowling, initiated by Amreen and a game of catch between resident Colin with some of our boys, the afternoon quickly slipped away.
Before leaving, we were treated to a sweet gift from Irene, a 91-year-old, who has recently had in injury to her dominant right arm. Facing the trouble this injury has caused her; Irene has not let it stop her from getting on with the things she loves and has subsequently taught herself to use her left hand for all things fine motor. Irene gave out flower pages, coloured by herself, to each of us as her story was shared. The beauty in hearing her story was the lesson it taught our younger generation – setbacks should never give us reasons to give up, but to find new ways to adapt and move forward. And good things can come from tough situations!
Our next time together will be on Prescott turf in Week 7, as Highercombe come and visit for the Choir performance of ‘Jonah: The Musical’. We look forward to having our friends see school life at PPN and be encouraged by the story of God’s sovereign reign as told by the story of Jonah in the belly of the whale.
Storytime At Prescott
How Great the Father’s LOVE for US, was the focus of our story time this week with our young families visiting from Little Giggles playgroup. We enjoyed making “stain glass” hearts, building trucks and roadways and playing puppets. Ryan and Lucas took the opportunity to share their stories which they wrote and illustrated with Mrs Vice’s Creative Writing group, alongside the animal puppets that came to life to retell the narrative.
While sipping hot chocolate and enjoying a biscuit or two, our parents and grandparents had a lovely opportunity to chat, engage with other adults, do their own craft, and experience what life at PPN is like among our lovely Year 6 students. Mrs Blyde finished the morning with a meaningful story of how God’s love is so big, and yet when it spills out for the whole world to receive, there’s still so much to go around for everyone.
Nature Play
Some cool and creative critters came to life this week in the Nature Play Space as students settled in beside a lump of playdough and natural objects found in the garden. The aroma of lemon and lavender scented playdough became a talking point as children investigated with touch, smell and sight to create animals, plates of food, and characters reflecting human traits as well as fictitious animations. It’s been lovely meeting the ‘regular’ nature play faces who eagerly join in week after week, and encouraging to see more new faces showing an interest as they step forward from the periphery to ask “can I play too”?
PPN students embrace play with creativity and imagination, not to mention manners and a gentle approach to sharing that occurs habitually each week. Coming back to nature and the God given gifts He has blessed us with, is a treat not to miss out on – how about spending some time with your little people this long weekend to appreciate the natural world around us given by the Maker of heaven and Earth.
