Reading about ‘baddies’ made of dark energy in The Enigma Plot part of the Time Chronicles series inspired the inquisitive pupil to explore dark matter further. She then decided to share her findings in a short video on YouTube, made with support from her parents.
The two-minute film begins with an introduction, in which Zahra explains: “No-one knows what exactly dark energy and dark matter are, but I made a little video to explain what I found out.”
Using artwork to illustrate the universe, Zahra goes on to explain that everything we can see is matter – including stars, planets and the multiple galaxies that make up the universe. The idea that the universe is getting bigger all the time is introduced – with the concept that dark energy causes this expansion and dark matter is “like glue maybe” – holding everything in place.
Zahra concludes that “maybe when we grow up people will know more about it”. With young bright, inquiring minds like this, it seems there is definitely hope for a better understanding in the future!
Sarah Holyoake, Head of the Stephen Perse Pre-Prep in Cambridge said: “This is a great example of how our pupils and parents are taking learning beyond the classroom – often with the use of technology.”
Tricia Kelleher, Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation comments: “It’s not our approach to overload pupils with hours of homework. Instead, we want children to have the time to explore their own interests and it is wonderful when parents are able to support this.”
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