q Organised CHaOS

HANDS-ON SCIENCE: with the help of the University of Cambridge’s outreach CHaoS programme.

THAT’S HANDY: The hand explained.

A LOT OF HOT AIR: Recreating the flight of a balloon using a toaster and a plastic bag.

Organised CHaOS!

Earlier this month CHaOS, a group of scientists from the University of Cambridge who run various science outreach programmes, came to the school to run an event for students in Years 8 and 9.

Below are reviews from some of the students who attended: “In the CHaOS event we went around different stations to do lots of different science experiments to learn about certain things. “For example, we learned how hot air balloons work, by using heat from a toaster to inflate a plastic bag which then started to float. “We also learned how the hand works by using a model with strings to show how the fingers can move. “I learned a lot from being there — I didn’t know about many micro-organisms and diseases or what they looked like, but I learned about that in one of the stations. “In another station, I learned about how the ears work. The reason you know where a sound is because your brain measures the distance between each of your ears and the sound — but if you wear certain equipment, you won’t know which direction the sound is coming from. This is why people who are completely deaf in one ear can’t tell where sounds are coming from. ” — Audrey (9B) “We were all given the opportunity to take part in multiple scientific experiments and listen to short presentations by volunteers from CHaOS. “Experiments we observed involved the forces of earthquakes, the human skeleton, microorganisms and many more! “The short lessons were very informative and fun, as we were given the chance to interact with certain aspects of the experiments. “For example, when learning about micro-organisms, toys were used to demonstrate the different organisms, which in my opinion was unique and effective because it provided a simple yet fun way to learn. “We also took part in experiments such as the force of an earthquake or a swing. We were able to manually create force which therefore caused objects to move and even fall, which was enjoyable!” — Connie (9I) “I saw how light works and what happens when you heat up air and how earthquakes are effective. And the pH scale and more that I’ve forgotten. Overall it was good — 10/10 would do again. ” — James (9I) “During the CHaOS event, we looked at many different experiments from a floating bag to earthquake-proof buildings. “There was also a model of the lower arm which had cords which you could pull to move the fingers just like your real arm does. “For the bag experiment, you would place a large plastic bag over a toasting toaster. You would then let go of it and it would float into the air and the longer you held the bag for, the higher it would float up, which was amazing. “Personally I thought it was awesome. I loved that every station was unique. What made it even better is that you could do every experiment at home with barely any materials. ” — Josh (9I) “The CHaOS presentations were really fun. The students were very friendly and it covered many different topics — light, movement, air, microbes and lots more. “It was very inclusive and interesting. It taught me a lot more about the topics above and was an incredibly enjoyable experience for everyone. It really gave me more of an understanding towards the topics we learnt about too. It was amazing!” — Kathryn (9O) “The experience of CHaOS coming to Comberton Village College was amazing. It was really fun to learn about different elements of science. “Our favourite experiment was learning about the density of air particles inside and outside of the plastic bag and watching it fly. “Another good experiment was the earthquake one, we learned lots about what happens during an earthquake. “We also liked the light waves and we learnt about filters, ultra-violet and white light, also if you burn crystals it will make different colour fire. It was a great place to learn and have fun doing science. Five Stars. ” — Anastasia (8O) and Carmen (8O) 4