Students from Year 8 at Bellver International College recently went to visit the nature park at Mondrago on the east coast of the island.

It was a long journey from Palma to Mondrago, taking more than one hour by bus. When we arrived there we met by our nature guide, Biel, who was a very knowledgeable and kind person.

We were shown the magnificent coastline, the secret Guardian’s Shelter, the beach and the nature of that wonderful place.

The Guardian’s Shelter was a place made to protect the island during World War II.

Our guide told us that the coastline had once consisted of many lagoons before it has taken up its present structure. We saw lots of fossils of creatures that had died millions of years ago and were now trapped in the rocks. We also saw how the waves and currents had eroded the coastline.

It was a lovely short tiring trip, where we learned lots of facts and had lots of fun.

Last Tuesday, Biology students from Year 12 and 13 returned to Son Llatzer Hospital to continue their learning adventure. In their last visit, they watched various operations, so this time they were taught how to sew stitches. Starting with a brief presentation, their instructor proceeded to show the eager students all the type of stitches that could be done.

They then practiced with stitching on some pieces of sponge, and once they were experts, the doctor in charge brought out pieces of real animal meat, so the students could have some practice on real flesh. Although a bit surprised at first, the students quickly gained confidence and did an excellent job. They even practiced using a laparoscopy, a machine used to stitch up internal tissues, which was a great challenge.

It was an overall success, where students got to feel like real doctors and live a unique experience.  We are very thankful to Son Llatzer Hospital for this opportunity and hope to be able to repeat this trip in the future.

This year´s Bronze and Silver Participants of the International Award have already started their practical training for the adventurous journey.  After 5 demanding theoretical lessons on map reading and navigation, the young bellverians could not wait to go out and put their knowledge to work. The objective: climb the summit of Penyals d’Honor, one of the highest hills in the Bunyola area.  Their tools: a map, a route card and a heavy rucksack with the necessary camping gear.  The outcome: serious fun.

The brave participants had a great time finding their way in the rambling pathways that lead to the summit.  At times it was hard for some members of the expedition to keep up with the rest, but thanks to the sweet fruits of abundant strawberry trees they charged their batteries and kept going. 

Thankfully is wasn´t all about walking and using maps. There was time for sharing a cooked meal and setting up a tent without any casualties.  These skills must be mastered before the qualifying expedition that will take place in May.  But before that day comes, the participants still need to undertake basic training on First Aid and Emergency Procedures, as well as to go on a 2-day practice expedition in March.  We will keep you updated!

On the 20th of December, biology students from Year 12 and Year 13 visited Son Llàtzer, where they saw several operations, including ophthalmological and gynecological interventions. The visit to the hospital was a great experience for the students, as they got to see what actually happens in real operating theatres and how the surgeons and other medical staff work. Even though some of them had to leave the operation room as they were dizzy, they all agree with the fact that it was fantastic to see surgeons in action and to hear the surgeon’s explanations as he was operating.

The sixth form students will visit the hospital again later this month in order to learn how to stitch tissues and learn even more about life as doctors. 

After months of preparation, the Science Department in Bellver International College held its second annual Science Fair in the school on Wednesday 18th December 2013. 

Pupils from the senior school planned a series of demonstrations in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. All pupils from the primary and secondary schools then had the opportunity to visit the science rooms, view and take part in a wide range of activities.

In the laboratory, several high school students setup some demonstrations to illustrate their scientific knowledge.  Daniel, from Year 12 started the demonstrations with an iodine clock which amazed his audience with the dramatic colour change.  Maria and Pedro from Year 10 prepared hydrogen gas and tested it with a lighted splint. They also showed us an alternative way to crush a can using air pressure.  Year 8 were represented by Salva and Francisco who dramatically showed flour burning in the air and a gas burning in the palms of their hands.  The demonstrations concluded with oxygen, burning and an explosion carried out by the Year 11 students, Jaume, Eric, Leo and Daniel.

In the Physics Department, pupils had plenty of opportunities to carry out a number of hands-on activities.  The children explored electrostatics with Catherine, discovered some amazing properties of magnets, learnt how aircraft can fly and tested their own paper planes and Cristina demonstrated some air-powered vehicles.

                    

The whole of Year 9 studying Biology gave an artistic performance based on the life cycle of flowers, before carrying out a series of experiments on wind dispersal of seeds.  Becky and Gus from Year 13 carried out an experiment on snail habituation and finally there was also a colorful demonstration on the capillary action of flowers.

All in all, it was a highly successful day.  The children had a lot of fun, learnt a great deal of science and potential future scientists had the chance to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and put their ideas into practice.  Already plans for next year have begun!