The terrible events in that have befallen Japan over the last few days highlight many interesting facts.  Notwithstanding the awful personal misery caused by the geological and oceanographic upheaval, the incident demonstrates the all-powerful forces of nature that have been shaping our world for millions of years, continue to do so today, and will continue for millions of years hence.

Although Kenton College is a very peaceful school in Nairobi, pupils may be interested to know about techniques of war used by ancients.  The BBC recently reported that achaeologists had discovered evidence of chemical warfare used by Persians during the siege of the Roman city of Dura, Eastern Syria, in the 3rd Century AD.  Apparently the crafty Persians tunnelled under the city wall before setting fire to bitumen (a highly flammable tar-like substance) and poring sulphur crystals on top.  The dense and poisonous fumes permeated the Roman defenses knocking out, then killing, the defenders.

The immediate answer to the question is graphite, not lead.  Now you may think that is a bit 'sciency' but it is true nonetheless.

This article is not about getting your facts straight, rather about looking more closely at the various items children are expected to bring to science lessons at Kenton.

Year 7 Trip to Elsamere Field Study Centre

On 16^th - 17^th May Year 7 spent 2 days and one night at Elsamere Field Study Centre, on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The pupils studied 3 types of habitat and carried out a sample sizing exercise.

Here at Kenton College, Nairobi we like to keep abreast of recent developments, particularly those with a local flavour.  This animal, known as elephant shrews on account of it's shrew-like form and long trunk-like snout, is an exclusively African type of mammal.

The Junior department of Kenton College Preparatory School, Nairobi enjoyed a week of activities based on the theme of 'Wildlife at Kenton'.