Pupil video: Medicines

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The science of medicines

This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow Science scheme of work . It is designed for pupils and explores how the thickness (or viscosity) of medicines affects how quickly they work in the body. The video compares different types of medicines to drinks of varying thickness, helping pupils understand why some are absorbed faster while others provide longer-lasting effects.

Through everyday examples like iodine for cuts, cough syrup for sore throats, and different types of painkillers, pupils learn how liquid medicines often act quickly by entering the bloodstream faster, while thicker or solid forms may take longer but offer extended relief. The video introduces the concept of viscosity in a relatable context, helping pupils see how science plays a role in healthcare.

The video is designed to be shown to pupils as part of Science, key stage 2, Year 4, Making connections: How does the flow of liquids compare?, Lesson 4: Investigating liquids – Extending

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