Early Civilisations
9th February 2023
In Year 6, the children have been investigating and learning more about the amazing inventions and discoveries made during the Early Islamic Civilisation. They enjoyed learning about the ‘Father of Science’, Hassan ibn al-Haiytham, who, during 10 years of house-arrest, discovered many things about light and how we see; which have led to modern day objects, such as glasses, microscopes and telescopes, that we take for granted today. Hassan ibn al-Haiytham, was the first person to add a screen to a pinhole camera (or camera obscura) so that you are able to view the image.
The children had a go at making their own camera obscuras. The first task was to find a Pringles tube or something similar. Once the contents had been eaten, the children brought these in and were ready to go. With craft knives and scissors in hand, they cut the tube into two pieces. Using the transparent lid, they secured a piece of white greaseproof paper on to the top to create the screen. They then had to reassemble the tube, with the lid and screen now inside, leaving one end open to view through. Using a pin, they pierced a very small hole in the metal bottom of the container and their camera obscura was ready.
When outside, the children found that light was coming through the join in the tube so had to make a plan to modify their cameras; they wrapped card around the tube to block any light from coming in. It was with great excitement that they then looked through the camera obscura again to see the world had been turned upside down! Imagine if the cameras we used today turned everything upside down, wouldn’t that be strange.
During the topic, the children have also been looking at Islamic art. Y6AG used geometric patterns and calligraphy to make beautiful radial art patterns whilst 6AH used watercolours to create silhouette pictures of a mosque.
