Pupils learnt that food fuels our bodies, helping us to move, think, grow and stay healthy. Ted also introduced the five different tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, savoury and salty – explaining how our taste buds detect and distinguish between these flavours.

One of the highlights of the day was discovering that food contains stored energy. The children learnt that carbohydrates release energy quickly, that energy in food is measured in calories, and that eating a balanced and varied diet is essential for maintaining good health. An explosive demonstration using flour brilliantly illustrated how carbohydrates can release energy rapidly, bringing the science vividly to life.

Building on their Year 4 learning, pupils also explored the digestive system through creative and engaging demonstrations. Watching real footage from inside the human body sparked huge excitement, especially when they discovered that the small intestine can be around six metres long!

The learning extended beyond the classroom when Ted delivered a CPD session for staff on effective science demonstrations, followed by a special evening community show for families. It was wonderful to see children sharing their enthusiasm and curiosity with parents and carers.

This truly explosive day deepened understanding of nutrition and digestion while inspiring both children and staff alike. A huge thank you to Ted and the Royal Institution for such a memorable and engaging experience!

Here's what some of our pupils had to say:

"I was surprised when the flour went up and went on fire!"- 1H

"If we don't have carbohydrates, we don't have energy." - Khalifa, 2A

"I liked seeing the Menthos and Coke!" - Ali, 2A

"I liked it when he squashed the food because food has good fibre but the chocolate bar hasn't." - Kaya, 2A

"I learnt about the body and that food gives us energy."  - Leo, 4W

"I learnt how the body works and the impact food has on it.  I found it fascinating to see what's going on in my body!" - Judy, 6K

"I learnt how the large and small intestine works and how they squish the food and how it goes through tiny holes to the blood and gives nutrients to the body and I loved the show a lot.  My favourite bit was the video of when it went through the mouth and into the stomach."-  Ivan, 6K

"I learnt how energy and nutrients travel through the body and what the digestive system looks like from the inside!"  - Emmi, 6K

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