Science Club is at it Again!

Recently the science club has been participating in several experiments which have enabled them to review the process of the scientific method. Today students did a "Fizzing and Foaming" experiment, of which the main ingredients are baking soda and vinegar. However students also experimented with different indicators to see which one would produce a color change that indicated the reaction was taking place (along with the bubbles forming). We had a kick out of making a mess (no, not really. we did the reaction in large buckets so there was no mess to clean up).

The science club students from Tuesday did four different experiments on eggs. Students tried everything from burning eggs, to boiling them in different solutions, to soaking them in vinegar, and then throwing them off the balcony. We also enjoyed the results of those experiments.

The week before Songkran we were experimenting with mentos and different colas. So I think overall the students are gaining a great appreciation for the scientific method.

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera the last few times, so no pictures for some of the experiments. I will post the pictures I do have ASAP.

The West Point Bridge Design Contest

Here is a great opportunity to get involved and test out your engineering skills! Design a bridge using the award winning West Point Bridge Designer software, available as a free download from our website. Then upload your design to the contest site for judging, and receive instant feedback on your standing in the contest.

Who is this for: U.S. students age 13 through grade 12 are eligible for prizes. Anyone else may enter our Open Competition.

When is the competition: The 2010 contest doesn't begin until January 28, 2010, but you can download the WPBD software and start practicing right now!

• Final Day For Submissions: March 5, 2010
  

Science Club Students Begin Fundraising for Haiti's Earthquake Victims

This semester we have many students who have signed up for science club. Science club is a place to do some fun science activities, get tutoring, and work on this years science fair projects. Many of the students here in Thailand have never heard of Haiti until the devastating earthquake that happened recently. When students saw some of the news clips that showed how the children there are being impacted, they were enthusiastic about pitching in to make a difference. Already students have created 2 donation boxes and are working hard to collect money from staff, teachers, and administration. In addition, this Friday students will be involved in a "throw a water balloon at your teacher" drive to collect even more money. Over 10 teachers have volunteered to get wet, including Ms. Tanea, to help raise money to send to Haiti.

Wow! The science club raised 8335 baht to help the people of Haiti. I'm so proud of them!

Science Club Experiences Combustion

I had the pleasure of teaching my Science Club students about combustion reactions today. We started out by viewing Grand Hanks video, which they liked a lot. Then we went to the lab, gathered the appropriate supplies, and we did a demonstration on the soccer field. The kids were so excited and they even were able to video tape me screaming! Then I explained to them that the reaction we just did is the same type of reaction that is responsible for sending rockets to space, except that NASA uses more fuel. We began making our own little rocket ships, but then the rain came. We decided to do a test launch from the second floor balcony since it was raining so hard. Next week we will launch the other 2 rockets we made. I ended the experience with 1 more demo that the students again video taped. I should be able to put an animoto slide show together so keep an eye out for that.