Braodlands School Celebration Event
On 26th June Science Club students travelled to Broadlands School to join clubs from other local schools in celebrating the activities that they have been engaged in during 2008-2009. About 50 students from Bedminster Down, Mangotsfield School, Broadlands School and our own Hanham High created posters to show-off the various activities they have been involved in so far this year. After KS3 pupils from the school had had the chance to look at all the displayed work, club members got stuck into an air balloon racing car competition. Working in teams of 4, pupils had just an hour to plan, build and race a balloon-powered vehicle before and exciting head-to-head race to find the best.
After lunch, Dr Tim Harrison from Bristol University’s Chemistry Department gave a fantastic, fun-filled lecture on the gases of the Earth’s atmosphere. As well as the usual “treats” of seeing liquid nitrogen and solid carbon dioxide, Dr Harrison used some very unusual, visual displays to help pupils understand some of the more subtle chemistries of oxygen (such as catalytic conversion of weapon’s grade hydrogen peroxide in the presence of fairy liquid and green food colouring) and flammable vapours (by burning rocket fuel in empty water cooler containers).
Prizes and certificates were given at the end of the day and everyone who took part said what a fantastic day it had been – even the teachers!
STEMNET is keen to encourage similar events across the UK and another local event is currently being planned again for 2009-2010 where even more schools will hopefully take part. Pupils at Hanham are already working on their display material and the hands-on activities to keep the audiences fully engaged!
