Having Fun With Science
Emily demonstrating the eggshell experiment
On Saturday the 13th of October, Jabulani held its first Science Fair for children and young people in Zithulele. The focus of the day was to show school children that science is interesting and fun, and can be found everywhere!
In preparation for the day, Jabulani volunteers focused on finding exciting scientific experiments that could be done using every-day objects. The best example of this is the Mentos-Twizza reaction experiment; throughout the day, we compared the effect of Mentos on different types of fizzy drinks, recording how high the geyser of bubbles rose to compare the different levels of reactivity. Posters in English and isiXhosa explained the hypothesis, method, data, and results of the experiment, thereby introducing people to the scientific method through a fun and impressive reaction.
Other experiments included a model volcano, colour- changing flowers, rainbows made from liquids of different densities, and an acid-base reaction to remove the calcium from eggshells (though these didn't stay whole for very long when over-eager children ruptured the soft shells). As a memento of the fair, participants were encouraged to make their very own scientific nametag (their Science Licence).
Blessed with a day of beautiful sunshine in the middle of some rainy weeks, the science fair was a big success. The children and young people enjoyed the experiments and the treats provided, and the volunteers really enjoyed teaching and passing on an appreciation for science to this enthusiastic group. We can't wait to see everyone back in the library browsing through our selection of science books!
In preparation for the day, Jabulani volunteers focused on finding exciting scientific experiments that could be done using every-day objects. The best example of this is the Mentos-Twizza reaction experiment; throughout the day, we compared the effect of Mentos on different types of fizzy drinks, recording how high the geyser of bubbles rose to compare the different levels of reactivity. Posters in English and isiXhosa explained the hypothesis, method, data, and results of the experiment, thereby introducing people to the scientific method through a fun and impressive reaction.
Other experiments included a model volcano, colour- changing flowers, rainbows made from liquids of different densities, and an acid-base reaction to remove the calcium from eggshells (though these didn't stay whole for very long when over-eager children ruptured the soft shells). As a memento of the fair, participants were encouraged to make their very own scientific nametag (their Science Licence).
Blessed with a day of beautiful sunshine in the middle of some rainy weeks, the science fair was a big success. The children and young people enjoyed the experiments and the treats provided, and the volunteers really enjoyed teaching and passing on an appreciation for science to this enthusiastic group. We can't wait to see everyone back in the library browsing through our selection of science books!
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