RAPS Children See The Light

The magical northern lights natural phenomenon lit the way for an inspiring exploration of light at Ramsgate Arts Primary.

The Year 3 children created their own artwork inspired by the aurora borealis, the beautiful dancing waves of light that have captivated people for millennia.

Their educational journey then led pupils to find out about the varying types of natural and artificial sources of light and the type of light rays produced by the sun including ultraviolet.

They have also used torches to investigate which materials reflect light best and discovered how to reflect light using a mirror, as well as learning about what shadows are and how they are cast.

Year group teachers Kiki Amin and Alice Mann said: “Year 3 particularly loved learning about bioluminescence and seeing pictures of the many creatures and plants that can produce their own light.

“And they also tried their hand at learning in the dark without light which was very exciting for them.”

Head of School Nick Budge added: “This is a fascinating topic – most of us live with light in our lives every day, whether it is natural or artificial. Year 3 have explored how we use light and how we react to it – including the importance of shading our bodies and eyes from the sun’s light when it is most powerful and hot. It has been a rewarding journey for them and has broadened their knowledge of an everyday occurrence that we all take for granted.”

The aurora are atoms and molecules in our atmosphere colliding with particles from the Sun. The aurora's characteristic wavy patterns and multi-coloured 'curtains' of light are caused by the lines of force in the Earth’s magnetic field.

Ramsgate Arts Primary is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with Chilton primary School and Upton Junior School.

For more information contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847