Science Week: Thinking Like Scientists丨点燃好奇心，像科学家一样思考
Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.
Carl Sagan
Last week, Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi hosted an exciting Science Week — a grand celebration centred around exploration and discovery. During this event, our DUCKS and Junior School embraced the theme 'Curiosity – What is the Question?' while the Senior School focused on 'Thinking Like a Scientist'. Under these distinct themes, students embarked on a wonderful journey that extended far beyond the confines of their textbooks.
When science goes from books to reality, learning occurs naturally and meaningfully. At Dulwich Puxi, science is not just a subject but a way of thinking that helps us understand the world. At its core, it teaches students to observe, seek evidence and think critically. We are committed to using science as a foundation to nurture every child's innate curiosity and cultivate future explorers with critical thinking skills. This reflects our educational philosophy: not merely imparting knowledge but focusing on the holistic development of every child.
DUCKS and Junior School:
Curiosity – What is the Question?
The DUCKS and Junior School's Science Week was centred on chemistry. It was a vibrant and engaging scientific journey that combined exploration, innovation and childlike wonder.
Our youngest learners in Early Years explored the mysteries of the physical world through some experiments like 'sink and swim'. Year 1 and Year 2 students created 'bouncy eggs' and 'magic mud', observing changes in material states through hands-on activities, experiencing firsthand the fun of experiments and the allure of science.
Today was the best day! I loved making sticky mud. It gets thicker when you add more cornflour.
Rory, Year 1
Kate Kelly
Key Stage 1 Phase Leader
Year 1 Teacher
Science Week reminds us that rigorous science starts with curiosity. Our Key Stage 1 students are experimenting, questioning and discovering—developing the investigative skills that real scientists use every day.
Junior School students delved into more complex chemical concepts. They observed natural crystals, attempted to create rocket fuel, conducted the 'dancing milk' experiment and even turned baking into a real-life scientific inquiry, making science a memorable and exciting experience.
I really enjoyed watching the chemical reactions, especially the elephant's toothpaste. I also enjoyed making our models for our rockets and testing them. It has been a brilliant week.
Yale, Year 5
I have really enjoyed doing the five-minute experiments because they taught me about chemical reactions. If you put simple ingredients together, they can make some really cool phenomena.
Flynn, Year 6
Last Friday, a unique science fair brought Science Week to a close. Students from different year groups proudly showcased their learning by conducting various fun experiments, sharing the knowledge and principles they applied and spreading the joy of exploration, elevating the theme of science.
Gregg Chappell
Upper Key Stage 2 Phase Leader
We run Science Week to ignite curiosity and strengthen the critical-thinking skills that sit at the heart of academic excellence. When students are given the chance to experiment, question and discover for themselves, they build the confidence and rigour that define high-quality learning at Dulwich Puxi. Sparking curiosity, bringing a smile to faces, engaging our students with the world around them and creating a pioneering spirit is what the teachers at Dulwich Puxi strive to do.
Senior School:
Thinking Like a Scientist
Last Monday, the Senior School's Science Week kicked off with a captivating assembly. Four demonstration experiments — bouncy balls, springs, the iodine clock reaction and pitch vs. decibel tests — instantly captivated the entire audience.
Throughout the week, students immersed themselves in a series of STEM challenges, applying theoretical classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems through teamwork and friendly competition.
I enjoyed the scientific thinking class games and activities because we were able to make predictions and create a hypothesis whilst having a fun time with the class. I also enjoyed the science fair project as I was able to do further research on a topic I was interested in but never found time to investigate. I learned that enzymatic browning works best at a pH value of 5-9. I would like to do something similar in Science Week next year: letting students decide what they would like to research.
Hannah, Year 9
John Dixon
Head of Science, Senior School
This year's Science Week was built around the theme 'Thinking Like a Scientist' and that is precisely why we run it. We aim to fan the flames of student enthusiasm and curiosity, providing unique opportunities to explore topics more deeply. It's about moving beyond the curriculum to practise the skills of scientific inquiry in a dynamic, real-world context and to truly understand why this mode of thinking is so powerful and important.
Letting the Seeds of Science
Take Root
Looking back on this incredible week, we are delighted to see how students built confidence through questioning and verification and experienced the wonders of science through experiments.
As Carl Sagan said, the core of science lies in its way of thinking. At Dulwich Puxi, the goal of education is to shape such thinkers: individuals brimming with curiosity and the courage to explore the world, proficient at using scientific thinking to understand the world and solve problems. Although Science Week has concluded, we believe the spark of scientific exploration has been deeply planted in every student's heart.
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