The Science of Electricity

Junior Maths, Programming, Science and Chess Camp for Reception to Year 3  

18-22 July 2022: Face to Face at Francis Holland School, Sloane Square

39 Graham Terrace, SW1W 8JF

 

Electricity and electronics are wonderfully practical subjects for children to study on their path to learning about physics and technology. During this week long camp pupils will explore the nature of electricity and electricity in nature as well as the history of discovering and studying electricity.

Young scientists will learn: 
  • what electrons are 
  • how static electricity shows itself 
  • the conductivity of different materials 
  • storage of electricity 
  • generation and new sources, including earth orbit solar panels!

Children will be taught what simple electronic circuits are and will be introduced to the concept of ‘resistance’ in circuits and how overheating can occur. We will also teach how electricity is ‘live’ so children understand the importance of safety measures. Participating children will conduct scientific experiments and be constructing an exciting project they can take home at the end of the camp.

Camp participants will also learn coding in Scratch through various levels of class depending on each child’s age and experience. The study of the tactical and strategic game of chess will be an important part of this camp as well.

Even if your child has joined us for many previous camps this will be yet another new learning experience from LondonSMP.

Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.  

In Maths and Problem Solving we will be playing games and tackling puzzles, both being essential to early intellectual development. We use these to great effect with this age group to stimulate each child's interest in logic and the real life practicalities of maths. The primary function of any game is to provide a natural learning process, help develop powers of analysis and encourage memorisation of new information. Games also help the development of logical processes and spatial reasoning, while working on numerical puzzles with their peers is an enjoyable way for younger children to grow into a fuller understanding of mathematics.

Coding will be taught during this camp because it helps children develop algorithmical thinking. Working with Scratch, pupils will learn how animations and computer games are programmed, how they carry out ‘instructions’ and what happens when this goes wrong, leading to an understanding of how to ‘debug’.

In Chess, the primary goal for the youngest and newest players will be to learn the basic rules of chess and begin playing. More advanced players will be coached in strategy and tactics and how to improve their game. To develop a child’s interest in chess, we present it as an exciting game of protecting one’s kingdom and its inhabitants. Research shows that playing chess regularly helps children achieve better results in maths and sciences, enhances language skills and memory and, most importantly, improves decision making which is why many countries teach it as a part of the school curriculum.

Learning groups will be very small with a pupil to teacher ratio of 6:1. Groups are tailored for each child’s age and level of experience with the subject to provide appropriate levels of simplicity or complexity.

 

Format and fees for the junior face to face camp (Reception to Year 3):

  • small groups of similar age and experience. Pupil to teacher ratio is 6 to 1
  • five days from Monday to Friday from either 9am to 12pm or 1pm to 4pm 
  • fees are £450 for all five days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period

Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.