Summer SAVY, Session 1 Day 5, Harry Potter: The Science Behind the Magic (Owens, Sect. 1) (5th-6th)
Today marked our final magical day in Harry Potter: The Science Behind the Magic, and we ended the week with fun, creativity, and celebration! We kicked off the morning with the Quidditch Cup Championship, where house teams competed in their final matches. After some fast-paced and exciting games, Ravenclaw soared to victory and claimed the Quidditch Cup!
Next, we headed to Herbology class, where we explored the fascinating world of magical plants and their real-world Muggle counterparts. Students learned how some plants in the wizarding world are inspired by actual botanical science, and we even discussed the properties of real plants with unusual or powerful effects. Then, students crafted their very own mandrakes out of clay, each one with a unique design and personality.
In the afternoon, it was time for the students to show off everything they’ve learned by taking their O.W.L. exams—Ordinary Wizarding Levels (Hogwarts final exams)! These fun, science-based assessments let students reflect on the concepts they explored throughout the week, from chemistry and physics to biology and engineering. The best part? They were open notes questions, so students got to see how helpful their own notetaking could be. After the exams, we celebrated with butterbeer and a viewing of the beginning of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
We wrapped up our magical week with the House Cup Ceremony, where Hufflepuff was awarded the House Cup for earning the most House Points throughout the week! Students received their Hogwarts diplomas and a parting gift: a copy of The Science of Harry Potter—the perfect way to keep the magic (and science!) going at home.
To help continue the learning at home, here are some questions you can ask your child:
- What was the most challenging question on your O.W.L. exam, and how did you figure it out?
- Were your notes helpful during the O.W.L. exam? Do you think you took good enough notes throughout the week/How could you improve your notetaking skills?
- What did you learn about real plants in Herbology that reminded you of magical plants?
- If you could invent a new magical plant, what would it do, and how might it work scientifically?
- What science topic from this week are you most excited to keep learning about at home?
- Take a look through the table of contents in The Science of Harry Potter—which chapter are you most excited to read first, and why?
I’ve had an incredible time getting to know your brilliant young wizards this week. Thank you so much for letting them attend Hogwarts—if only for a little while!
