Professor Michael Eddleston Science Assemblies

Grateful thanks to Sciennes' parent of Diya and Thomas, Professor Michael Eddleston, who delivered perfectly pitched talks to both our P1-3 and P4-7 Assemblies on Friday 27th February. Professor  Eddleston asked the question 'Why do people become Scientists?' and gave examples of some famous scientists and how their questions and discoveries have impacted on the world and helped us understand what happens inside the human brain.

Professor Eddleston is a Scientist of international repute who studied at Oxford, Cambridge and the equally renowned Scripps Institute in California. He is a practising physician as well as a Professor and Fellow at Edinburgh University who travels predominantly to Asia as part of his ongoing medical research. Professor Eddleston also explained to the children how he became a Scientist and that what drives him is his ambition to provide patients - his own and others' - with the best possible care he can. He encouraged all pupils to see themselves as scientists and to keep looking at the world and asking questions.

Thank you to Ms Anstruther for organising the visit, which supports her work with our children on how the brain helps us to learn, as well as supporting our ongoing promotion of Science throughout school.

Professor Eddleston provided the time lapse video below to illustrate how Scientist Rita Levi-Montalcini's research established Nerve Growth Factor's influence on controlling brain connections. Overcoming Mussolini's fascist suppression early in her career, this remarkable lady went on to receive the Nobel Prize for her discoveries.

Thank you very much for a fascinating talk, Professor Eddleston!

Blaze Basketball Tournaments Friday 27th Feb

Our links with Blaze Basketball at the Crags go from strength to strength thanks to the support of Sarah and Eoghann.

There will be an all girls primary school tournament Friday 27th February at the Crags from 3-4pm which will be followed by a mixed tournament from 4-6pm.
P5 - P7 pupils all welcome - the more the merrier!

All Aboard the Wild About Scotland Bus

P6 and P7 pupils from Sciennes and P7 pupils from Tollcross have been very fortunate to be given the chance to take part in engaging workshops led by Education Officers Lindsay and Jamie from Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th February in their 'Wild About Scotland' double decker outreach bus, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank. Pupils learned about the habitats and conservation of beavers and wildcats in particular.

The Wild about Scotland bus is travelling the length and breadth of Scottish communities engaging children with Scotland's natural habitats and native species. The main objective is to provide fun, practical lessons that connect children to the nature in their own backyard with a view to creating a lifelong appreciation and respect for Scotland's wildlife and the importance it plays in wider conservation issues affecting not just Scotland but our planet overall.

More photographs on the Primary Six Class Pages and the Primary Seven Class Pages.

It was wonderful to have the Wild About Scotland bus parked up in  our neck of the woods and we thoroughly enjoyed the workshops. Jamie and Lindsay were very complimentary about the enthusiasm and manners of the pupils and we in turn  are grateful to them for their time and energy. And safe journey onwards, Dave the Driver, as you make your way to Oxgangs Primary and then Perth. Come back soon, RZSS!

 

School Resumes Monday 23rd February

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 23rd February. We would appreciate your support in ensuring pupils return fully equipped with sharp pencils, coloured pencils, sharpener, eraser, ruler and glue stick in a pencil case as well as full P.E. kit (including indoor gym shoes and a change of clothing) and a water bottle.
Thank you.

Well Done, P6!

We hope Primary Six pupils have had a well deserved rest after their enthusiastic, energetic outdoor learning residential at Benmore Centre Monday 9th-Friday 13th February 2015.

The photographs below give a flavour of the exciting activities on offer at Benmore and many groups were also able to kayak and canoe. You can read about our adventures here:

http://sciennesbenmore2015.blogspot.co.uk

Group One Exploring Benmore Grounds

Group Two Caving

Group Three at Benmore Centre Golden Gates

Group Four receive instructions for a Gorge Walk

Group Five Climbing and Abseiling

Group Six Forest Adventure

Group Seven High Ropes Course

Group Eight Low Ropes Course

Group Nine Biking

Paleontologist Dr Steve Brusatte

What a fascinating and inspiring presentation from internationally eminent Paleontologist Dr Steve Brusatte at both P1-3 and P4-7 Assemblies on Friday 5th February about his work as a Dinosaur and Fossil Expert. Originally from Chicago, Dr Steve, now based at Edinburgh University, travels the world giving lectures and was a consultant on BBC's 'Walking with Dinosaurs'. He was so generous with his time and our children were enthralled as he explained why he is so passionate about dinosaurs and how he came to be a paleontologist. His most recent discovery hit the headlines a month ago when he and his team found a new species of dinosaur in the Isle of Skye. The new dinosaur is one of only a few to be christened with a Gaelic name 'Dearcmhara Shawcrossi' which means sea lizard. The Question and Answer session was equally fascinating, with some excellent questions from the audiences. Thank you to Ragne and Emil's dad for contacting school and to Ms Anstruther for arranging the visit. A truly memorable presentation which certainly inspired our pupils, not only today but also for their future. Thank you, Dr Steve!

Dinosaur Song from Robert Mitchell on Vimeo.

A song especially for Dr Steve!