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Olsen House School

Olsen House School

Liverpool

Year 8 Investigates Pressure in Liquids

Tuesday, 20th October 2026, 14:59

Our Year 8 scientists have been diving into the fascinating world of liquid pressure, exploring how pressure increases with depth and discovering just how deep the ocean can be! Students created their own mini-octopus models in bottles to demonstrate how pressure affects objects in liquids. This hands-on investigation brought the science to life, helping students understand the challenges faced by deep-sea creatures as they explore the ocean's depths. A fantastic combination of creativity, curiosity and scientific discovery!

Through discussion and practical investigation, students learned that the weight of water above an object creates pressure, meaning deep-sea environments experience forces far greater than those near the surface.

To bring this scientific principle to life, students created their own mini-octopus models inside bottles. By squeezing the bottles, they were able to simulate the effects of increasing pressure on objects and organisms living underwater, observing how their octopuses responded to changes in pressure. This engaging hands-on activity helped students visualise a concept that can often be difficult to understand through theory alone.

The lesson also encouraged students to consider how deep-sea creatures have adapted to survive in such extreme environments, where immense pressure, darkness and cold temperatures create unique challenges. By connecting classroom science to real-world ocean exploration, students developed a deeper understanding of both physics and marine biology.

A fantastic lesson combining creativity, curiosity and scientific enquiry, allowing students to experience first-hand how pressure changes beneath the waves and why understanding these forces is so important for studying our oceans. 🌊🐙🔬