The Power of Steam Key Stage 2L Science resource for Isle Of Wight Steam Railway

Introduction

"The Power of Steam" is a 2-page Science resource for Lower Key Stage 2, linked to Isle Of Wight Steam Railway

Précis

Students can explore the steam elements of the locomotive and how the water changes into steam, identifying the basic elements of the process. They can see the water being added at the station, witness the coal fire being stoked, and the resultant expansion of the steam being harnessed to provide traction.

Contextual Summary

This resource is for lower key stage 2 students as an introduction to how materials change in the railway environment. The resource links to upper/lower key stage 2 topics relating to the states of matter and how matter changes when heated, etc.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Chemistry → Properties and Changes of Materials

Implementation

This task can be introduced to students before their visit to Isle of Wight Steam Railway; it would be particularly useful if they have done some basic work on heating/cooling and the effects of heating on water or fuel. Teachers could show them a basic steam engine diagram or animation ahead of the visit. When on site at the railway, students can then complete the questions on the sheet as they move around the venue. This will focus students? attention on the key areas for learning.

Key Skills Practised

Understanding the properties of materials and how they change
How forces are created using heat
How energy is created

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Students could learn the basics of heating and cooling, and the effects of these on materials, to allow them to engage with the resource at Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

On Site

Completion of Science lower key stage 2 States of Matter/Changing Materials at Isle of Wight Steam Railway resource linked to this document

Post-Visit

Follow-up tasks could include: Class discussion, Q&A etc. of how they saw the water become steam, and how they think this powered the train; Completion of labelled diagrams, PowerPoint slides, or animations showing these examples; Finding other examples of where water becomes steam in the everyday world

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how water is converted into steam through burning fuel, and then harnessed to move the locomotive and train at Isle of Wight Steam Railway. They will be able to understand that steam trains need water, fuel and fire to be able to move, and that this is a complex process.

FAQs

Q1. What is this resource and which attraction is it for?

The Power of Steam is a Science resource targeted at Lower Key Stage 2 children, , supporting a school trip to Isle Of Wight Steam Railway

Q2. Which Key Stage and ability level(s) is this intended for?

The Power of Steam is designed for Lower Key Stage 2 children with but is also suitable for younger students working at a high level or studying a specific topic, or as revision / infill for older students who have already covered this previously

Q3. Which areas of the curriculum are covered?

The Power of Steam is a Science resource specifically targeted at Chemistry and Properties and Changes of Materials

Q4. What are the main learning outcomes for students?

Q5. Does this resource have activities for before and after the visit?

This resource contains elements that are designed to be completed before the trip commences, whilst on site at Isle Of Wight Steam Railway and on return to school after the visit

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