Following feedback from our children at the end of the last academic year, we are excited to introduce our brand-new Scientist of the Term initiative!

Our children told us that they would like to learn more about inspirational scientists and the incredible discoveries they have made. We hope this will encourage our pupils to be curious, ask questions and discover how scientists have helped us to understand the natural world around us.

 Autumn Term 1: Maria Sibylla Merian

Our Scientist of the Term for Autumn 1 in Year 5 is Maria Sibylla Merian.

Maria Sibylla Merian was a pioneering naturalist, scientist and scientific illustrator who lived over 300 years ago. She was fascinated by insects and spent much of her life carefully observing and recording them.

At a time when many people believed that insects appeared mysteriously from mud or decaying matter, Merian studied their life cycles, documenting how caterpillars transformed into butterflies and moths. Her detailed observations and beautiful scientific illustrations helped to change people's understanding of insects and their development.

Merian's work was especially remarkable because she combined careful scientific observation with detailed artwork, helping others to learn about the natural world.

Your Challenge!

We would like our Year 5 children to find out more about Maria Sibylla Merian and create a piece of work that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of her life and scientific work.

Your work could include:

• Interesting facts about Maria Sibylla Merian

• Information about her life and scientific discoveries

• Her studies of insects and their life cycles

• An explanation of metamorphosis

• A timeline of important events in her life

• Scientific illustrations of insects and plants

• Information about her journey to Suriname

• A poster, fact file, presentation or another creative format

• Anything else that demonstrates your scientific understanding!

Remember to make your work creative, informative and scientifically accurate.

Important Date

Please hand your completed work to your class teacher by Thursday 16th October.

All entries will then be passed to our Science Lead, Mrs Crowe-White, who will choose the piece of work that demonstrates the most impressive learning, creativity and enthusiasm for science.

🏆 The winning child will receive a certificate and a prize, which will be presented during our celebration assembly in the final week of the term.

We can't wait to see what our budding scientists discover about Maria Sibylla Merian and the fascinating world of insects!

Good luck, Year 5 — and happy investigating!