Since I was a toddler, I have harboured a deep interest in the realm of science. Searching through my memories, it was the vibrant colours produced by the reaction of solutions that filled me with joy; it was the simplicity of F = ma which never failed to evoke profound feelings in me; It was the delicate balance of the ecosystem that gave me endless joy.
SCIE’s science week was designed not only to inform you about concrete theories but also to give you a chance to discuss them with Professor Gui, a pioneer of mathematical research, to enjoy a visual feast of chemistry demonstrations and walk out of the classroom to testify the laws of pendulums with Dr. Neto.
As a photographer for most events, I will lead you into our school’s science fair from my perspective.
The STEM demonstration in the Halo theatre was absolutely the most thrilling of all. Biology teachers introduced us to the complexity but miracle of life; Chemistry teachers brought gasping reactions on stage, and physics teachers showed the patterns of vibrations through salt.
A biology teacher in a white coat went on stage with a trolly of animal organisms, and they were ready to show what an anatomist can do – intricate heart and lung dissection.
The pig’s heart lies within its protective pericardial sac, waiting for the skilled hands of the anatomist to explore its intricate chambers. A delicate incision exposes the heart’s inner workings as the scalpel glides along the atria.
With explanations, while he guided his dissecting scissors through tissues, valves, papillary muscles, and the sinewy strands of the chordae tendineae came into view, each contributing to the cardiovascular system.
But that was just the beginning of our excitement. The chemistry teachers then introduced the flame test to show the various coloured flames produced by different ions. About five teachers stepped forward, each with a sprayer containing different ions. Pulling the “trigger” on the sprayer, solutions were fired into the flames of the Bunsen burner.
Flames shot like snakes attacking their prey, illuminating the theatre’s walls in vibrant reds, greens, blues, and purples. The audience gasped, wondering about the mechanism; some were even paralyzed by the breathtaking beauty.
The Rainbow experiment, a showcase highlight, and a stunning array of colours amazed the audience. In this experiment, seven different transition element compounds were carefully selected to create a series of complex compounds, each exhibiting a distinct hue.
As these compounds started to react, students observed the formation of a rainbow of colours, each representing the unique chemical properties of the compounds involved. From the deep blues of cobalt to the vibrant greens of nickel, the experiment testified to the rich diversity of transition metal chemistry and the fascinating array of complex compounds they can form.
One of the most impressive experiments from the chemistry teachers was “The Genie in the Bottle.” The audience eagerly waited in anticipation as the solution reacted.
Suddenly, a massive plume of steam erupted from the stage, leaving the spectators with their jaws dropping. The theatre was enveloped in a cloud of steam, creating a spectacular display of power and vitality.
In the afternoon of Thursday, Dc carried out an astonishing human pendulum experiment. Neto outdoor. Spectators sat on the stairs next to the climbing wall, not believing that a teacher would dare sit on the pendulum. This scene could only be seen in Walter Lewin’s class or in YouTube videos about Walter Lewin.
Dr. Neto first laid out the formulae that govern the action of a swinging pendulum. Then, with a steady and confident tone, he announced that the pendulum period would not be affected by the weight, whether a ball or a human.
To show that his point was correct, he measured the length of the pendulum, which was hung down the running track, skillfully to ensure accuracy.
Once satisfied with his measurements, Dr. Neto sat on the pendulum and swung across gracefully. With each swing, he demonstrated that the pendulum’s period remained the same and unaffected by the weight of his body. His final calculations proved his point, leaving the audience applauding.
Nikola Tesla once made a statement that is still relevant today, “Today’s scientists have substituted mathematics for experiments, and they wander off through equation after equation and eventually build a structure which has no relation to reality.”
Science is not just about dealing with lifeless formulas on the blackboard; it is more about putting it into practice, discussing it with others, and inspiring others to walk this path.
Throughout the Science Week showcase, students and teachers were united in their fascination with observation and discovery. As participants eagerly engaged with each demonstration, they deepened our understanding of science. We nurtured a lifelong curiosity for the science surrounding us.
Immersing into the imaginations of the dancing entangled particles to the fiery combustion of substances and the steady flow of blood cells in the veins, science week may draw to a close, but the essence of science remains eternal.
