Report from Mr Law
On Monday 16th March, many pupils from Our Lady’s High School were entertained and enlightened by visiting speakers arranged via the Science Connects team with funding from the Scottish Government.
The Science and Engineering Ambassadors consisted of members of the public using science in their careers. From Sports Science to Rocket Science via Engineering, these vibrant professionals shared information about themselves by answering a barrage of questions. Considering that our second year pupils are currently considering option choices for the subjects they’ll study next year, the timing was ideal. Several beaming youngsters have already enthusiastically explained about how they now know what they want to choose as a result of the interrogation. Our first year pupils also benefitted from experiencing this activity. Unsurprisingly, their questions were more varied, and included the possibility of zombies, “Won’t your head hurt ?”, and aliens, as well as the vast amount of more career pertinent questions.
Some of our third year students learned about the many old and new job prospects possible in the eco-friendly industries. Careers Scotland conveyed information in a presentation entitled, “The Path is Green”. They concentrated upon the need for renewable energy sources and a reducing reliance upon fossil fuels. The subsequent fun, “Green”, quiz generated competitive rivalry and resulted in the first, and so far only, 100% correct answers from a team. The two successful lads grinned happily as they clutched their 1GB memory stick prizes.
The Solar Car workshop was mainly for our Physicists. After an introduction/reminder of the theory and technology, the students began building their model cars. Wheels, cogs, gears and a motor were assembled in many weird and varied configurations including one that was identified as a helicar. Making sure that the solar powered motor actually engaged with the appropriate cog or wheel in order to make the car move vied with sturdy construction techniques in order to produce a model capable of overcoming friction. The two young ladies that seemed to struggle the most initially, proved clear winners in the race competition when the torch beam was shone upon their solar panel.
The Colour Show clearly indicated how colour challenged we all are, or even colour blind. Various demonstrations where red was green, white was black, and when dark was brighter than light, all helped us question our certainty about colour. As each display illustrated the complexities involved in the vision that we so take for granted we began to increasingly respect our brain’s ability to interpret the vast amount of data that enters our eyes.
All in all this was an excellent day of information provision. A superb effort from school staff to enable the smooth running to timetable, from school pupils experiencing the presentations, and from the presenters for providing such a varied and useful addition to the normal school teaching and learning. Thanks to all concerned for a most entertaining day.
