Inspiring Young Scientists at H-FARM International School Venice: A Hands-On Approach to Learning

By Vincenzo Pitarresi, Chemestry & Science Teacher

At H-FARM International School Venice, we believe in the power of hands-on learning to deepen students’ understanding of complex scientific concepts. Recently, we had an inspiring opportunity to bring together our DP1 students and our youngest learners from PYP5 in an engaging laboratory experiment on heat transfer. Now in its second year, this collaboration has proven to be a valuable experience for both groups, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science across age levels.
As the PYP5 students entered our chemistry lab, excitement filled the air. The little ones, thrilled to be in a real lab environment, were each given lab coats and safety goggles. They transformed into “little scientists” right before our eyes, their faces lighting up with enthusiasm as they looked around at the equipment and their DP1 mentors. There’s a magic to seeing science through the eyes of children who are eager to learn; their curiosity and excitement are contagious.

This kind of hands-on experience allows even the youngest students to grasp challenging topics more easily. The concept of heat transfer, for instance, can be difficult to understand through textbooks alone, but by engaging in real experiments, students can see the phenomenon at work, making it feel more tangible. During the experiment, we explored how heat moves from one object to another. Through observing, experimenting, and discussing, the PYP5 students started to build a basic understanding of the principles of thermodynamics — all while having fun.

It’s always important to remind students that what we learn in a laboratory or classroom has a real-world connection. During the second part of the experiment, our students had the exciting opportunity to use a thermal camera, allowing them to see heat transfer in action. Observing heat patterns and how temperatures vary on different surfaces provided a clear visual of the scientific principles they discussed. This practical, interactive component helped consolidate their knowledge, reinforcing the fact that science isn’t just theory — it’s all around us, impacting the way we understand and interact with the world.

In addition to benefiting our young learners, this experiment was also a valuable
experience for the DP1 students, who took on the role of “teachers for a day.” They supported the younger students with explanations, answered their questions, and guided them through the experiment step-by-step. Explaining complex ideas to younger students required patience and creativity, challenging the DP1 students to simplify their knowledge and think about science from a fresh perspective. This practice of breaking down complex concepts into understandable language is an essential skill for any aspiring scientist or educator, and it was impressive to see our
DP1 students embrace this responsibility.

For the DP1 students, being a part of this activity also offered a unique glimpse into the role of a teacher. They quickly discovered that teaching science is not just about imparting information; it’s about fostering curiosity and nurturing a desire to learn.
Witnessing their passion for science sparked enthusiasm in younger students reinforced the importance of their studies and inspired them to think more deeply about the impact they could have on others.

At H-FARM International School Venice, we are proud to create these learning experiences that bridge age groups and foster a spirit of mentorship, curiosity, and exploration. This hands-on approach not only strengthens scientific understanding but also builds confidence, patience, and empathy in our students. Watching the PYP5 students leave the lab with newfound excitement for science reminds us all of the joy of learning and the value of exploring the world with curiosity and wonder. As we look forward to more experiments together, we remain committed to making
science accessible, engaging, and meaningful for every student in our community.