Stronsay Science Festival
Workshops 2019
Monday 9th September Activities:
Morning:
TRACKS IN THE CLOUDS
Dr Alex MacKinnon from Glasgow University delivered
a Radiation in Space workshop to the S4 Physic pupils and a shortened version
to the remaining Secondary and Primary pupils. Dr MacKinnon explained how Scotland
and its history of innovative scientific discovery were pivotal in
understanding the way partials behave. CTR Wilson’s invention of the
cloud chamber made the subatomic world visible by displaying particle tracks of
condensation. Telling the story of the first Scottish Nobel Prize winner in
Physics, born 150 years ago, and how his particular mix of interests remains
topical in current research on cosmic radiation and climate.
Dr Mackinnon demonstrated radioactive decay
using a Thermoelectric Cloud Chamber containing a Thoriated tungsten rod (2%)
in which Thorium is used as an Alpha emitter showing the primary tracks due to
alpha particles. It also showed the occasional Beta track seen due to the
daughter nuclei of previous decays.
Afternoon:
DNA to BUTTERFLIES PROJECT
Dr Bill Graham who worked within the
Engineering Research Industry for many years developing new materials for the
Aerospace industry delivered a workshop entitled ‘DNA to Butterflies’ in which
Secondary student explored the role and importance of communication through modelling
DNA.
The pupils worked in pairs to build a model
of DNA which acted as instructions for a computer aided design program to
develop a unique Butterfly. The computer program developed by Mr Graham then
printed the unique butterfly using a 3D printer which he brought to the school
to show the pupils. The workshop demonstrated how science and technology teams effectively
communicate and work together to develop and deliver new innovations within the
Scientific and Engineering community.
Wednesday 11th September Activities:
Dr Dave Craig a former Research Production
Engineer, whom as part of his engineering career was an instrumental part of
the Engineering team which developed and manufactured the Typhoon Fighter Jet
cockpit display unit. Dr Graig now works with schools and YESC (Young Engineers
and Science Clubs Scotland) delivered two workshops for the secondary pupils:
Radiation:
The Secondary pupils in S4 participated in
the Radiation Workshop delivered by Dr Dave Craig in association with
CERN@school a programme designed to inspire the next generation of scientists
and engineers by offering access to CERN technology.
In which Students carry out their own
research projects using detectors provided by the Institute for Research in
Schools. During this workshop we investigated and collected data relating
to Ionising Radiation. The pupils had opportunity to use a MX-10 detector
(Particle detector) to compare and measure alpha, beta and gamma radiation
emitted from different sources such as background radiation,’ LoSalt’, Normal
table salt, a charged balloon and various mobile devices .
Cars:
The Secondary pupils in S1 –S3 participated in
the ‘The Energy Quest Challenge’ the aim
of the challenge is to encourages young people
to find out all about sustainable energy and learn about associated engineering
careers. Within this
workshop the pupils built; using a range of electrical components an
electrically charged car. Using a multi-meter to record the voltage output the challenge
was to investigate the charge voltage needed to get the car to stop at the
target distance through graphing and analysing the results over different
distances. The pupils really rose to the challenge of getting their vehicle to
travel exactly 10 meters, no more or no less!
