Children at Asquith and Oak Tree Primary Schools enjoyed activities during British Science Week. The focus for both schools was ‘All things ECO!’

Both had the support of a range of outside agencies to help them deliver key sessions with the children. They also held teacher-lead sessions through the week around growing and plants at Asquith and around developing a mural made out of recycled products at Oak Tree.

Nottingham University OPAL helped both schools conduct soil surveys for their school sites.

Both schools have been supported by Mansfield District Council Parks and Waste teams to look at the science behind growing and caring for plants and to help the children learn how litter is dealt with.

Both schools have visited the Veolia Materials Recovery Facility during the week to learn about household waste and how it is recycled. They are now considering how they recycle their own waste as a result of the visits.

Maun Conservation Group supported children and families at Asquith to create nest boxes and bug hotels for the school site. Notts Wildlife Trust considered how sustainable energy methods can have an impact on wildlife. The children made solar powered boats as well as viewing the eclipse.

Oak Tree Primary worked with Sherwood Forest Trust and the OT Conservation Group on Oak Tree Heath, looking at how we can take better care of the important heathland. They also planted trees and conducted a tree survey with the help of Greenwood Partnership, who gave a £250 grant to enable the school to purchase 12 trees. Boots UK held a session on energy – how we create energy and the impact it has on our lives.

Both schools secured a £300 Kick Start Grant from British Science Association to help them organise these school activities and this gave a real kick start to the Science Week events.