The Middle School recently hosted the Science Fair. students presented various topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and more. Students showcased academic projects, experiments, and research outcomes. They demonstrated the application of theoretical knowledge through an array of scientific projects, experiments, and research presentations.
Part of Showcase:
01
Do plants "eat" human food?
Students Involved:
G6 Apple G. & Anna H.
【Inquiry process】
Our science experiment board is mainly about plants. We are curious about the similarities between humans and plants. Since they both need energy, perhaps plants can also “eat” what we can eat. To investigate if plants can absorb our food, we bought two pots of Devil’s Ivy and fed them raw meat and vegetables. To compare it with a normal plant, we also bought another plant of its kind.
02
The "sweet collision" of candy and carbonated drinks
Students Involved:
G7 Chloe Z. & Nicolas W.
G8 Elsa Z.
【Inquiry process】
The idea for this experiment partly originated from our classroom; in the past few weeks, we learned about solutions in our science class. Recently, we studied the primary components of food, including sugar, and became curious about the possible reactions when combining them. We chose Mentos and Pop Rocks, mixing them separately with Sprite, orange juice, and milk, then observed their reactions. As a control group, we also mixed both candies with water. Although we didn't observe a spouting reaction, we witnessed many fascinating phenomena. We believe the absence of a spouting reaction may be influenced by factors such as the ratio of solution to candy, container shape, and more. In the future, we plan to delve deeper into our investigation.
03
The never-disappearing rainbow
Students Involved:
G6 Anna H. & Lucy C. & Amber L. & Bella X. & Sarah W. & Cici Z. & Ethan S.
【Inquiry process】
As we researched, a normal rainbow only lasts for about 42 seconds. So we asked our question: How can we make a rainbow that cannot fade? We could not use water to solve our problem because water is limited. We came up with another idea. In art when you mix white with other colors, the paint turns into the other color but it will be lighter. So if we can use the same way and shine the white light through a different colored glass onto a table, then the light can show another color on the table. First, set up the source of the light, which is the lamp. After that, use a marker to color the glass with the colors of the. Finally, stick the glass onto the lamp, and make sure all the light shines through the glass. Now we finished making our rainbow. In conclusion, our project was a success. But even though we did create a rainbow that will not fade, we noticed that our rainbow is still different from the real rainbow which hung in the sky, and the one we made has dimmer colors.
04
Does the type of liquid affect the rate at which food spoils?
Students Involved:
G6 Emma W. & Angela Z. & Kimi G. & Yilin L. & Luna W.
【Inquiry process】
Research indicates that the rate at which food spoils is influenced by temperature, humidity, and exposure to liquids. To verify the impact of different liquids on the rate of food spoilage, we designed this scientific experiment. We applied honey, water, orange juice, milk, and jam separately to slices of bread, which we then placed into individual plastic bags for observation and recording. This experiment helped us identify patterns in food spoilage and will enable us to take measures to extend food's shelf life.
05
Recreating maglev train
Students Involved:
G7 Pinyu Z. & Qiyuan A.
【Inquiry process】
The theme of our Science Fair this time is Maglev (maglev train). Our idea is to make our model train float and make it move. We investigated the principle of the maglev train and its benefits and disadvantages. The maglev train uses "the same sex repels each other, the opposite sex attracts", and the "magnetic effect of the point" to operate. When energized, the electrons on the metal surface will become magnetic, allowing the train to float, while the two magnets keep repelling forward/backward, allowing the train to move forward and backward.
06
Will it release chlorine when we put 84 disinfectants and medicinal alcohol together?
Students Involved:
G8 Tony C. & George W. & Ella Z.
【Inquiry process】
The reason that we’ve chosen this topic is during the pandemic days, a news is talking about an old man wearing a mask with alcohol sprayed on it, and he went inside an elevator which is disinfected by 84 disinfectants. He got poisoned by some toxic gas named chlorine. people were doubting this news, if they did the test at home, it would either "not a problem" or "die", so to save lives, and answer this doubt, we decided to take this test, and present it on science fair.
This science fair once again showcased our students' spirit of inquiry and scientific research capabilities. We also invited parents to the event, where they witnessed firsthand their children's progress and growth at school and felt reassured by the students' achievements.
Curiosities from daily life, insights from reading, and even academic challenges became research topics. Teams conducted experiments to test hypotheses and assemble their findings into compelling projects. The fair was more than a display of student work; it reflected their poise, eagerness, and meticulous attitude toward scientific endeavor. Well done to these young minds—your potential is immense!
- Parent of G6 Ray H.
The students’ exhibits covered an impressive spectrum, from chemistry to physics, ecology, and social sciences. Each project offered real-life relevance, captivating the audience. Parents and teachers eagerly engaged with the students’ presentations at each exhibit. The students presented confidently with clarity and actively and patiently engaged with our inquiries.The fair showcased diverse presentation styles, including live demonstrations, video presentations, and pictorial exhibits with clear, easy-to-understand explanations. All projects merited recognition, with several making a significant impact. I look forward to future fairs, anticipating more exceptional student work.
- Parent of G8 Elsa Z.
We aim to foster students' scientific literacy through these activities. Our goals are to ignite their enjoyment of scientific inquiry, encourage interdisciplinary exchange and teamwork, and create a constructive learning atmosphere for science. This approach is geared towards facilitating students' holistic growth and development. Moving forward, we will generate further opportunities and enhance our scientific research platforms to nurture versatile future talents.
