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Grade 11: Science Fair

April 6, 2017

Grade 11: Science Fair

The Science Fair was held in the Xianmian building on this Wednesday (March 29th). Most activities held in the science fair took place during CAS classes, while some other activities such as the Chemistry Quest were organized for the entire day. This years’ Science Fair focused around four major themes—science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Many activities organized by the ASBs were held in front of the Xianmian Building. These activities accumulated a considerable amount of both scientific knowledge and practical skills. For instance, the “Periodic Table Chant” and “Mystery Balloons” tested students’ knowledge regarding chemistry. Challenges such as “Frame Art”, “Ice Hockey”, and “Bridge Building” integrated the laws of physics into real life challenges. Among these activities, the “Maze Cube” and the “Current Bangbangbang” challenges were the most difficult activities that participants struggled to complete. On the other hand, there were relatively easier, entertaining activities such as “Flour Pong”, “Helium Gas Inhalation” and “Fishing for Gold Fish”. For each activity, stamps were given for a successful try, later used to exchange prizes such as snacks and toys.

The outdoor activities were indeed very enjoyable, but inside the building lay the “real” challenges where a deeper level of engagement was required. There were intense competitions such as “Knowledge Bowls”, “Dominoes”, “Poker Card Stacking” and “Paper Bridge Making”. There were also attestations including “Skeleton Models”, “GM mice”, “Blood Type Testing”, and “3D Printing”.

Some challenges required the students to make products commonly used in our lives in order to explore the scientific aspects within. For the “Bamboo Amplifier” challenge, students had to use the given materials to turn a piece of bamboo into an amplifier, while also considering the practical aspects including weight balance, sound quality and appearance. For the “Glow Stick” challenge, an exothermic reaction between hydrogen peroxide and alcohol was used. Fluorescent dye was used to convert the energy released into glows. For the “Lipstick” challenge, lipstick powder and several types of oils were used. The mixture was microwaved to make lipstick. This sounds like an easy challenge, but a great amount of practical skills and experience were needed.

The Science fair this year showed great diversity and meaning. Not only did it provide the students with a chance to relieve stress from their daily academic lives, but also presented special chances for students to interact with science and learn about it in an interesting, practical way.

(Written by 11(1) Dongju Shin Picture by Xu Baiting)