Science Fair 2013

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!