SCIENCE
Official Journal of the Irish Science Teachers’ Association Eol-Oidí na hÉireann, Volume 45, Number 2, Mar. 2010
Contents
Notices 3 Chairman’s Report John Lucey 3 Corporate members 5 President’s Letter Matt Moran 5 Physics update Sean Finn 6 Revised Leaving Certificate Biology Una Moroney 7 Get Ready for SciFest 2010 Shiela Porter 9 A Complete History of Almost Everything – Audio CD Richard Fox 10 SciFest Teacher Quiz 10 Notes on the Preparation of Oxygen Declan Finlayson 11 Forensic Science course in UCC Dr Declan Kennedy 12 2010 International Biodiversity Year 13 Science and Technology in Action, 5th edition 13 Senior Science Quiz – 20 years established Mary Mullaghy 14 A Neat New Resource Siobhan Sweeney 14 Lego Robot Competition Deirdre de Bhailís 16 Gallery 17 Miss Fitt—the early days Paul Holland 18 Senior Science Quiz 2009 Mary Mullaghy 20 The OHP in the Laboratory: 1 Randal Henly 22 Phlebotomists―today’s barber surgeons Paul Holland 26 Somerfield’s Thoughts: A Thought about fireworks Dr Adrian Somerfield 27 Perfect beads every time! Declan Finlayson 27 Musings Ian McCulloch 28 Support day for Laboratory Technicians Kay O’Mahony 30 CROSSWORD Randal Henly 31 Tropical Africa Paul Holland 32
Cover picture: The Redwing, a Winter visitor Redwings (Turdus iliacus) are members of the thrush family. From the end of October they may be seen foraging in open country in large flocks. They feed mainly on worms, berries and fruit. Although our visitors come mainly from Iceland, redwings also fly here from Scandinavia and Northern Europe. They have flexible itineraries; some may stay for a few weeks and then fly further south to Spain. Those that come here one year may go elsewhere another year. Their population in Europe is estimated to be thirty to forty million. Redwings are about the same size as song thrushes but are easily distinguished from them by the stripe over the eye and the rusty coloured flanks. It is generally not easy to get near them but during the severe frost last January they had to abandon the open fields and look for food in sheltered areas and gardens - hence the picture.
SCIENCE March 2010 Council Members Association President: Matt Moran, Director of PharmaChemical Ireland [email protected] Chairman: John Lucey, ‘Copsewood’, Rock Road, Mallow, Co. Cork. johnlucey@ slss.ie Honorary Secretary: Irene O’Sullivan [email protected] Past-Chairman: Seamus Ó Donghaile, Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. [email protected] Vice-Chairman: Yvonne Higgins, Magh Ene College, Bundoran, Co. Donegal [email protected] Treasurer: Paddy Daly, 9 The Spa, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. [email protected] Membership Secretary: Dr Declan Kennedy, 17 Coolamber Close, Cobh, Co. Cork. [email protected] Web Master: Pat Hanratty, 36 Rathfarnham Wood, Dublin 14. [email protected]
Branch Representatives Cavan: Majella Stafford, St. Bricin’s Voc. School, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. Cork: Sean Finn, 32 Old Avenue, Glanmire, Co. Cork. [email protected] Cork: Kathleen Kelly, Ballincollig Community School, Cork. Donegal: Mary O’Brien, 16 Clachan Mor, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. [email protected] Dublin: Mary Mullaghy, 26 Bailis Manor, Athlumney, Navan, Co. Meath. [email protected] Dublin: John Daly, 13 Valeview Ave., Cabinteely, Dublin 18. [email protected] Dublin: Brian Smyth, 53 Weirview Drive, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. [email protected] Galway: Aine Clarke, Calasanctus College Oranmore [email protected] Kerry: Holden Stephanie, Intermediate College, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Kildare: Brendan Duane, Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. [email protected] Kilkenny: Joe Clowry, Carlow CBS, Station Road, Carlow. [email protected] Limerick/Clare: Diane Condon, Ard Scoil Ris, North Circular Rd., Limerick. [email protected] Mayo: Maire Sweeney, Scoil Damhnait, Achill, Co. Mayo. [email protected] North Midlands: Irene O’Sullivan, St. Joseph’s College, Summerhill, Athlone, Co.WM [email protected] Sligo: Mary Benson, St. Mary’s Sec. School, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo. [email protected] Tipperary: Paddy Daly, 9 The Spa, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. [email protected] Waterford: Paula Hewison, De La Salle College, Waterford City, Co. Waterford. [email protected] Wexford: Sean Fogarty, Rocklands, Hempfield, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. [email protected]
Corporate Members Editorial Team
Allergan BASF Editor: Rory Geoghegan GE Healthcare [email protected] Assistant Editor for Biology: Siobhan Sweeney iBotz [email protected] Lennox Assistant Editor for Chemistry: Mary Mullaghy Monsanto [email protected] Merck Sharp & Dohme Assistant Editor for Physics: Sean Finn National Chemical Company [email protected] Novartis Assistant Editor for Primary Science: Nunci O’Mahony Pfizer [email protected]
www.ista.ie Notices Chairman’s Report John Lucey
Annual Business Meeting Sligo Branch Chairman: Ms Yvonne Higgins Notice is hereby given Vice Chairman: Ms. Mary Mullaghy that the Annual Business Hon. Secretary: Ms. Irene O’Sullivan Meeting of the Association will take place on Saturday Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Paddy Daly 20th March 2010 at 4.45 p.m. in Sligo Institute of Technology. Tipperary Branch Chairman: Ms Yvonne Higgins AGENDA Vice Chairman: Ms. Mary Mullaghy • Minutes of 2009 ABM Hon. Secretary: Ms. Irene O’Sullivan t is difficult to believe that this • Matters arising from the minutes Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Paddy Daly is my last report as Chairman. I thank all of you but in • Votes of thanks for the use of Hon. Auditors: Mr. Ted O’Keeffe and Dr. I facilities Oliver Ryan particular the Officers, Council • Hon Chairman Report representatives and our Presidents • Hon. Secretary Report Karla Lawless and Matt Moran • Hon. Treasurer Report for the tremendous honour and • Motions arising from above reports support you have given me as Chairman of the ISTA over the • Elections Booking for the AGM The programme for the AGM and last two years. When I reflect on • Votes of thanks to outgoing officers what has been achieved and not • AOB booking forms are available on the ISTA website, www.ista.ie achieved in those years, I can only say my regrets are but a few. Members are requested to note that the Follow the link to ISTA AGM 2010 quorum for the ABM is one twentieth of in the What’s on panel, on the right the membership reckoned at the council hand side of the home page. Handing down meeting prior to the ABM or one fifth My parents always instilled in us of the members registered for the AGM that respect was an entitlement, not by 10 a.m. on the morning of the ABM, something that had to be earned. As which ever number is lower. If the all things were created by God then quorum is not present within 30 minutes Chemistry Demonstration all things living or non living should of the time arranged for the beginning Workshop be respected. Life was a journey of of the meeting, no business shall be The 4th. Chemistry Demonstration investigation into truth. Their hope transacted. for us was that in our investigations, Workshop 14-17th. June, University of Limerick. The subsidised cost is €100. respect would deepen into a joy for all Nominations for Elections For an application form please contact: things created. In time that joy would Cork Branch [email protected] be expressed in an enthusiasm towards a fulfilment in the ‘wonder and awe’ of Chairman: Ms Yvonne Higgins Great value, great resources and great truth and the Creator. Their gift to us Vice Chairman: Ms. Mary Mullaghy fun! was something, at no financial cost, we Hon. Secretary: Ms. Irene O’Sullivan could ‘hand down’. So from an early age I entered into a journey of investigation Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Paddy Daly with my parents. Hon. Auditors: Mr. Ted O’Keeffe and Dr. Oliver Ryan Win a €200 voucher At the butcher’s block from my On page 10 there is a SciFest quiz for father I learnt the anatomy of the Dublin Branch teachers. There are even directions as to cow, sheep and pig – the wonder of Vice Chairman : Mary Mullaghy where to find the answers! organisation, structure and engineering, the common functions of parts shared What are you waiting for? by so many other organisms including North Midlands ourselves. Health and hygiene was also Chairman: Ms Yvonne Higgins emphasised. On the farm the wonder Vice Chairman: Ms. Mary Mullaghy and awe of nature and its place in annual cycles - the seasons, sowing of seeds, Hon. Secretary: Ms. Irene O’Sullivan growing of crops and harvesting, care of Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Paddy Daly the animals. Weed and pest control. Yet Hon. Auditors: Mr. Ted O’Keeffe and Dr. amongst the investigations and learning Oliver Ryan there was for him a constant - care and respect. SCIENCE March 2010 Away from the farm and above the shop 12 months from the day you subscribe four days of the exhibitions. Paddy was a different type of investigation went on-line. You will be sent a reminder by assisted on many occasions by ISTA on. From the bay window on the Main e-mail when your renewal is due. The members that attended the exhibitions Street the daily investigation of human database will be updated automatically. along with Randal Henly and Ian behaviour as people made their way up The onus will be on the Branch Web McCulloch (in the picture) who ran the and down, in and out of shops, stopping master to keep your branch news up ISTA book and gift stand. and chatting, running from the rain, to date. The postal distribution of a traffic jams and crowd control. Music, branch newsletter will not be required song, poetry, art and dance prevailed from now on and cost savings to the within the rooms as my mother coached branch should follow. Text messages and encouraged all ten of us to partake can be forwarded to mobiles to remind in these more social aspects of life. members of branch meetings etc. Mr Pat Strangely sport did not feature as part Hanratty will continue as the National of it. Yet amongst the investigations and Webmaster responsible for National learning there was for her a constant news and editing of the remaining parts – spirituality and prayer. of the website. In time, among the many innovations My transition from the active learning made available to ISTA members on environment of shop, farm, street and our website, video presentations in home to the school environment that Youtube format will become available then consisted of rote learning and on the website, with web conferencing to strict disciplinary codes was a daunting follow later. one. Gladly modernity prevailed in the My thanks to all our members who Patrician and Salesian schools which I contributed to the development of the attended. Throughout my school days, website, in particular to our website I am happy to say, my teachers gave designers Pixel and our website service me my own place of investigation and providers Amergin. learning, which I hope I have continued with my own students today. ISTA/PharmaChemical Ire- ISTA Conference Sligo 2010 This moment of reflection is in the land Senior Science Quiz A quick glance at this year’s programme for the 48th Annual Conference of the knowledge that each one of us continues The national final of the ISTA/ to be formed by the environment and Association in Sligo from the 19th PharmaChemical Ireland Senior to the 21st March gives an indication those we come in contact with. Through Science Quiz was held in the Edmond my story of learning and investigation I of the tremendous work the Sligo Burke Theatre, Trinity College, Branch members have put into our have been reminded of the responsibility Dublin on Saturday 28th November of parenting and teaching and the aspect annual conference this year. Two years 2009. The winners from the 108 in preparation, the programme has of ‘handing down’ to the next generation Leaving Cert. students representing of children, students and teachers our something in it for all. In addition to the 36 schools nationwide were from regular workshops, this year additional own experiences and learning. I am glad St. Andrews College, Booterstown to have this opportunity to express the time and space have been made Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Our available to our exhibitors to conduct good fortune for the parents I have had, congratulations to the team and to their and thanks to my family, teachers and their own workshops as well. We wish teacher Ms Hilary Rimbi, and indeed all the organisers the very best in what we colleagues for the respect, happiness, the students who took part and to their joy, learning and investigation in the know will be a very memorable weekend teachers. Thank you to Aoibhinn Ní and deserving of your support. philosophy of life they and you as Shúilleabháin our quiz master, Dublin colleagues in the ISTA have ‘handed Branch members, Mr Matt Moran down’ to me. who presented the prizes and to all our members and officers who assisted Overseas Conferences on the day. I cannot leave out my The number of participants and Website News special thanks to Mary Mullaghy who exhibitors were this year greatly Over the last year in particular, a lot of not alone organised the Dublin venue curtailed at the ASE, Nottingham by time has been expended in modernising but organised the questions and the the severe weather that covered Britain the website to include online registration accompanying PowerPoint presentations in January. ASE Scotland hopes to and payment, member’s area to include for the regional and national finals. make up for that shortfall and are well branch news, resources, recent editions prepared for whatever weather comes of Science, NCCA reports and a their way on March 5th and 6th. We wish discussion forum. BT Young Scientist and our colleagues the very best and look forward to joining them. On registration and payment of Technology Exhibition 2010 subscription, members’ details are placed in both a national database and also a The 46th Young Scientist Exhibition branch database, and a user name and was this year won once again by a Cork Best wishes password are issued. Please see the student Richard O’Shea from Scoil Best wishes and thank you again for the letter that accompanies this issue which Mhuire Gan Smál, Blarney, Co. Cork wonderful honour and support you have contains your details. Each nominated with his project entitled ‘A biomass given me as Chairman of the ISTA. May branch web master will have access fired cooking stove for developing you be happy and healthy in your walk, and editing rights to their own branch countries’. Congratulations Richard from talk and learning together. news and branch database. It is hoped the ISTA. Congratulations to the ISTA special award winners Gemma Leahy that this initiative will reduce the work John both of the branch treasurer and branch and Gemma Shannon, both from secretary. St. Dominic’s Secondary School for their project ‘identifying and changing John Lucey, Chairman ISTA and Your current subscription will run to perceptions of science at primary September of 2010 after which your level’. Our thanks go to Paddy Daly Assistant Director of the Second Level new renewed subscription will be for who manned the ISTA stand over the Support Service (SLSS) www.ista.ie Corporate President’s Letter
members Matt Moran
e wish to thank all our corporate members for Wtheir ongoing support of the Association and of science education. ear Science Teacher, back their experience of the scheme to In these gloomy times that Council and this can then be used to • Allergan we live in today it was a support arguments that we might make • BASF D for a long term solution to the problem. real lift to be present at this year’s SciFest has proved a great success for • GE Healthcare BT Young Scientists Awards. It schools and I know that it has featured was inspiring to witness so much • Lennox in previous issues of science. There is enthusiasm, so much optimism, a view that it is an ideal way to prepare • Monsanto such energy and such innovation. and encourage students to enter the BT Young Scientists Competition so • National Chemical Company It left me feeling that the future of I would encourage you to support the • iBotz this country is bright and is in good event in your area; more details can hands- those of our young people. be obtained from Sheila Porter, who • Merck Sharp & Dohme The pinnacle of the show was of course coordinates the programme, at www. • Scientific & Chemical the awards- such a profusion of noise, scifest.ie Supplies colour, joy and rock and roll! I felt it a real It is hard to imagine that the next privilege to present a special prize on behalf Annual General Meeting and dinner • Novartis of you all to Gemma Leahy and Gemma is just around the corner, taking place • Pfizer Shannon of the St Dominic’s Secondary in Sligo – March 19-21 – I hope that I School, Ballyfermot for their project on meet you all there. It is nearly a year identifying changes in perception of science since you elected me as your President at primary level. Congratulations too the in Limerick – how time flies. In that overall winner, Richard O’Shea of Scoile time I have witnessed the sterling Mhuire Gan Smál, Blarney Co. Cork, for work that your Council puts in on his project on developing a biomass fired your behalf on a purely voluntary cooking stove for developing countries – a basis – they deserve great credit for great demonstration of the appliance of this and I would like to thank them science for the benefit of all. You should on all your behalf. A special word of all take a bow for the tremendous support thanks to your Chairman, John Lucey that you give to students who enter this who stands down in March. John has wonderful competition, you certainly go the provided great personal support to me, extra mile. and he works tirelessly on behalf of all I was delighted to be present at the the members of the Association. PharmaChemical Ireland Science Much effort has been dedicated to Quiz, held in Trinity College Dublin in upgrading the website and also to November of last year. Congratulations to introducing an online membership- NCC Mary Mullaghy for doing such a fine job hopefully this will help you to get in coordinating the whole process- thanks more benefit from your membership; to quiz master, Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin, we welcome the feedback that you can and to the bank of adjudicators working give us on this. We estimate that ISTA so tirelessly behind the scenes. A special has around 1200 members now from a mention for John Daly – my chemistry potential membership of around 2500 teacher; he has a lot to answer for! teachers, so encourage your colleagues Finally, well done to St. Andrews College, to join; there is always strength in Blackrock, for taking top prize. numbers. The provision of technicians in school PharmaChemical Ireland are delighted laboratories remains a central issue for the to continue the awards scheme and we Council of ISTA and it is an issue that we look forward to distributing these in continue to pursue. The recently introduced Sligo. Finally it only remains for me to FAS scheme which supports to provision thank you for supporting me during the of an unemployed graduate for a period year and to encourage you again to join of nine months, though no the absolute with us in the West in Sligo. solution goes some way towards addressing the problem, albeit in a temporary fashion. It is worth applying to the scheme as this Matt Moran well demonstrates the demand that exists President ISTA within the system for this type of support. Director of PharmaChemical Ireland It would be beneficial if schools could feed SCIENCE March 2010 Physics update Sean Finn
Proposed changes to the ISTA physics subcommittee frequency of a physics syllabus comments on Leaving stretched string and its tension. State this relationship and explain how your graph s you may be aware the Certificate Physics, 2009 verifies it.’ NCCA physics syllabus Acommittee have been HIGHER LEVEL Question 4 meeting over the past two year Overall the paper was welcomed by Straightforward pupils and teachers. The practical section to review the current physics syllabus. The major changes that was straightforward. Any student who have been proposed are: carried out the practical work over the Section B course should not have any problem Question 5
with Section A. Because there are only (d) This was a clever question to stretch • The introduction of practical 24 practicals and the questions keep the limitation of the syllabus. We do assessment. A number of models coming up, it is very hard at this stage not expect that many students will get are proposed and are currently being to include new variations on questions. this question right. Perhaps a change piloted in schools. The ISTA hold Unfortunately, this means that the benefit from 85 dB to 91 dB would have been the view that this would be very of spending the actual time doing the sufficiently difficult. All other questions difficult in the absence of technical practicals is becoming less and there is a were very fair. greater need for an actual practical test. support in school laboratories. The committee commends the innovative • A proposal to introduce use of STS to assess many aspects of Question 6 investigations. The ISTA is the course in section B. Many of the This question will suit applied opposed to the use of investigations questions were rather testing. We believe mathematics students. at Leaving Certificate level. that the less academic student will be It is hard to know here where to start the • The syllabus is largely the same advantaged by the introduction of the velocity-time graph. Is it for the part of with some material added and some revised mathematics tables next year and the question just before or is it for the removed. hope that the level of difficulty of the whole motion from the start of the ramp? exam will not be increased. • It is the view of the ISTA that We believe marks should be awarded for the syllabus is too long if it is both. to be introduced with the above Section A It was somewhat confusing too as to mentioned assessment methods. Question 1 what happened to make the skater’s speed change from 12.2 m/s at the • Finally it was disappointing that As the syllabus does not insist that bottom of the ramp to a steady 10.5 m/s the ASTI was not represented at students perform the experiment by immediately after that. any meeting of the NCCA Physics the freefall method we would like the Course committee. marking scheme to incorporate other methods of finding ‘g’, e.g. the picket Question 7 fence method, falling ball method Sean Finn This was a challenging question. (velocity/ time graph) etc. Students will find it difficult to give a Physics Convenor. succinct answer to (iv) why a spectrum Question 2 is not formed at the central (zero order) image. This was a very straightforward question. We commend the open ended Pupils will get mixed up between the question to allow students to use all the spectrometer and laser method of finding data to calculate a value for ‘f’. wavelength.
Question 3 Question 8 Again this question is straightforward. Again this is a challenging question. We would hope that the Commission It would have been helpful if the would review the numbering system allocation of marks was clearer at the in physics questions. The grouping of end of this question. We presume that questions together in the same line may only 3 marks will go for the very last cause students to omit an answer. For part. Students might well write a lot as example they won’t know how many marks are ‘How was the tension measured? How allocated. did the student know that resonance occurred?’ Question 9 and The examination of capacitance by ‘Draw a suitable graph to show the means of the defibrillator is welcome. relationship between the fundamental www.ista.ie
Question10 (a) Most kids will be familiar with Revised Leaving Rutherford’s experiment but many will never think that the same might apply here to why most protons do not split the Certificate Biology Li nucleus. If students had a reasonable amount of preparation done they could Una Moroney achieve a high mark here. Question 10(b) Again the use of the historical aspect made the question seem more he NCCA Biology course New content has been added and interesting. deletion of some of the existing content committee and Board of Studies for Science have has also taken place. The syllabus has Question 11 T been rewritten in terms of aims and been involved in drawing up At first glance students may be put objectives and learning outcomes that off the question under examination a draft syllabus for Leaving encourage a more investigative approach conditions. The subject is topical at Certificate biology. The ISTA to teaching and learning. There are the moment and lent itself to posing a has a representative (convenor) five skills identified in the syllabus number of questions over the entire heat as central to teaching and learning on the course committee and across the curriculum at senior cycle. unit. Geothermal heating is not on the the following is an update of the syllabus and we hope that students are These are (i) information processing, aware of this technology. progress to date. (ii) being personally effective, (iii) communicating, (iv) critical and Students will find it difficult to know The revised biology syllabus draft has creative thinking and (v) working with how much or how little to write in part been restructured into four units: others. The key skills are embedded in (g) for 7 marks. Unit 1 The Cell, the learning outcomes of the syllabus and will be assessed in the context Question 12 Unit 2 Environmental Science, of learning outcomes. The syllabus emphasises integration of ICT using A straightforward question Unit 3 Molecular Biology and a variety of software tools to collect, Last part of (d): How are kids to know record, analyse and display information. why americium-241 does not exist Unit 4 Systems Biology. naturally? If it had a really short half A wide range of practical activities are life, they may have been able to guess an specified in the syllabus and students answer. will be required to maintain a record of these activities. The practical activities are categorised under three headings:
ORDINARY LEVEL Question 8 (i) Prescribed activities, The paper was welcomed by students We welcome the STS question here and teachers. There was a good selection (ii) Open ended investigations, and of questions and students that do not like (iii) Research activities. calculations could choose a selection of Question 9 questions to suit them. Some questions A straightforward question. We were Two poster or multimedia presentations were challenging but as a whole the surprised that they were asked to based on syllabus learning outcomes paper is fair. determine the shape of the magnetic field must also be completed. around a U-shaped magnet. Section A A second mode of assessment will be introduced and currently there are Some open ended questions. Where Question10 twelve network schools working with students are expected to process data, Students were well guided as to how to NCCA producing examples of second they are well guided on how to go about answer the question. component assessment. The teachers it. involved work with a particular class group and develop a sample practical Question 11 Section B assessment based on material from The answers are in the passage. This is the syllabus. It is envisaged that these Question 5 welcome for weaker students. samples will then be trialled by other A number of straightforward questions. network schools and refined and Question 12 modified. Following their refinement, the examples will be circulated and A good range of topics. used in schools not involved in their Question 6 development. The final assessment items The inclusion of speed = distance/time and the draft syllabus will be brought would have helped students. If a student Sean Finn back to the Course Committee and Board does not see a required formula quoted of Studies in 2010 after which wide on the examination paper they may feel Physics Convenor. spread consultation will take place. it is incorrect to use it to answer part (ii).
Question 7 Any comments can be submitted to Una Asking students how the diffractive Moroney (ISTA Biology convenor) grating produces its interference pattern E mail: [email protected] would be a challenge for higher level students. SCIENCE March 2010 www.ista.ie Get Ready for SciFest 2010
Sheila Porter
t’s SciFest time again. Prepare to download those entry forms Ifrom the website www.scifest. ie and to start the ball rolling. The closing date for receipt of entries for SciFest 2010 is Friday 12 March. This year SciFest promises to be bigger and better. There are lots of trophies and prizes to be won at each participating Institute of Technology (IT). The Intel Best Project Award winner/s from each IT will be invited, as in previous years, to a special awards ceremony in Intel in October where they will be presented with an Intel Excellence in Science medal. Exhibiting at SciFest is an exciting and rewarding experience for students. It is also good preparation for Junior Certificate Science Coursework B. The actual investigation, if it meets the specified criteria, can be submitted A celebration of excellence in science, Intel Ireland – Best Project by the student as their Coursework B Award winners SciFest 2009 with Minister Conor Lenihan, TD investigation. Many students who exhibit at SciFest go on to develop their projects further and present in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Entry forms for SciFest 2010 are now (BTYSTE). It was wonderful to see so downloadable from the website, www. many familiar SciFest 2009 participants scifest.ie. Nine of the fourteen Institutes continue with their research last year and of Technology have so far confirmed qualify to exhibit at the BTYSTE 2010. dates for their SciFest 2010 fairs: Congratulations to Richard O’Shea, • DIT (15 April), Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Blarney, Co. • WIT (20 April), Cork who exhibited at SciFest 2009, Cork Institute of Technology. At • AIT (23 April), SciFest he won first prize in the Senior Technology Category and also the • CIT (27 April), Discover Sensors Award for his project, • LIT (27 April), “A biomass fired cooking stove for developing countries”. In January having • IT Carlow (5 May), entered the project in the BTYSTE 2010 • IT Sligo (6 May), he became the BT Young Scientist of the Year. • ITT (7 May) and Well done also to Kevin Bluett (Best • IT Tralee (12 May). Project award winner at SciFest 2009 As the date of each additional fair IT Carlow) who was awarded first becomes available it will be posted on place in the Senior Individual Category, the Exhibition Dates and Contacts page Technology and to Henrik Bruesecke of the SciFest website. Please check (Best Project award winner at SciFest regularly for updates. Richard O’Shea at SciFest 2009 2009 Letterkenny IT) who was awarded CIT second place in the same category. Henrik also won the Smart Technologies Richard also won the BTYSTE in Sheila Porter, Loreto College, St January 2010 with this project Award. Congratulations to all the other Stephen’s Green and currently on SciFest 2009 participants who won secondment to Intel Ireland as National category and highly commended awards. Coordinator of SciFest
SCIENCE March 2010 Bill Bryson – A Complete SciFest History of Almost Everything Teacher – Audio CD Richard Fox Quiz
“Welcome. And Congratulations. I One day while on Amazon I noticed WIN A €200 Travel Voucher am delighted that you could make it. that “A Complete History of Nearly Getting here wasn’t easy. I know. In fact, Everything” was available on I suspect that it was a little tougher than CD and thought that it would be a you realise. welcome addition to my collection. Send your answers to: Sheila Porter, SciFest National Coordinator, IR2 – 1 To begin with, for you to be here now The purchase proved to be one of – T22, Intel Ireland, Leixlip, Co Kildare. trillions of drifting atoms had somehow my best as I find it a useful addition to assemble in an intricate and curiously to my classroom teaching resources. The first correct solution picked at obliging manner to create you. It’s an The first few chapters are an random will win a €200 travel voucher. arrangement so specialized and intricate excellent introduction to Science for that it has never been tried before first year students. It helps to awaken Closing date for receipt of entries is and will only exist this once. For the their imagination for what lies ahead Friday 12 March 2010 next many years (we hope) these tiny of them, dealing with things as particles will uncomplainingly engage small as atoms and cells to things as in all of the billions of deft, co-operative big as the universe in the course of efforts necessary to keep you intact their secondary education. The first 1. The number of second-level students and let you experience the supremely paragraph above gives a flavour of who participated in SciFest 2009 agreeable but generally under- the topics that will get the students appreciated state known as existence” thinking. (a) 1612 (b) 1980 (c) 835
There are fairly equal amounts of ike many science teachers 2. The percentage of students who I am sure, I read this Physics, Chemistry and Biology from Newton to Einstein, Davy sat the science exam in the Junior Lexcellent and interesting to Rutherford and Darwin to Certificate 2009 book five or six years ago when Dawkins. Several chapters are it first came out. I became a bit of particularly relevant for some fourth (a) 76 % (b) 25 % (c) 87% a fan of Bill Bryson at that stage year modules. If you are teaching and his science book introduced Astronomy the content includes early me to his collection of travel astronomers and their discoveries, 3. In the Primary School Curriculum the the big bang and the nature of our letters SESE stand for books. They are witty tales of solar system. For those of you his real-life experiences as he teaching Leaving Cert Physics there (a) Social, Environmental and travelled the world. I bought is good and interesting content on Scientific Education several of them as audio books the Large Hadron Collider, quarks and the Standard Model, the Particle (b) Science Education and Social on CD, as I spend a fair bit of Zoo and Super String Theory. The Environment time in the car on long journeys at Chemists can refer to the familiar weekends and they are the perfect work of Robert Boyle or the (c) Social and Environmental Science companion. Audio books are even discovery of Phosphorous from the Education better when they are read by their analysis of urine by Hennig Brand. There is also plenty of Biology, the author as they are the only people start of life, evolution and the things that know exactly what emphasis that might kill us all off; “We really 4. The first Young Scientist Exhibition was intended when the book was are at the beginning of it all. The was held in written. trick of course is to make sure that (a) 1960 (b) 1965 (c) 1968 we never find the end. And that, almost certainly, will require a lot more lucky breaks.” I find it useful to play a chapter if we 5. The results of a random survey carried finish our work early with any class. out by the ERC as part of PISA 2006 on teachers teaching Junior Certificate I look forward to the release of his Science indicated that the percentage next science book “The story of of teachers who hardly ever or never Science and the Royal Society” in read articles about science in sources the near future. I have read several other than their usual textbooks was books about the Royal Society but I anticipate that this will be a good (a) 3.7% (b) 71.9% (c) 24.4% one.
Richard Fox, Wesley College, Dublin.
10 www.ista.ie Notes on the Preparation of Oxygen
Declan Finlayson
6. The BT Young Scientist of the year he method we use to teach 2. Mix 2 g of MnO2 in 10 ml of 2010, Richard O’Shea, exhibited the preparation of oxygen deionised water in a second 100 ml his project and won first prize in the works. It is messy. The beaker. Senior Technology Category and the T 3. Prepare 100 ml of a 1.4 % calcium Discover Sensors Award at glassware used is difficult to chloride solution in a 500 ml beaker. clean. Conical and Buchner flasks 4. Add the MnO suspension to the (a) SciFest 2009 WIT used previously can be very 2 (b) SciFest 2009 LIT sodium alginate solution and mix (c) SciFest 2009 CIT obvious. thoroughly with a glass rod. 5. Draw all of the mixture into a 20 ml
We teach that MnO2 is a catalyst and syringe. 7. The number of branches of the ISTA (a) does not get used up in the reaction 6. Clamp the syringe onto a retort listed on the ISTA website and stand at a height of 10 cm above the (b) it can be reused. calcium chloride solution. (a) 16 (b) 10 (c) 18 Our traditional method of teaching does 7. Remove the plunger. The syringe not allow us to show either of the above. contents will slowly drip into the With the method outlined below it is calcium chloride solution forming perfect beads. 8. The only Irish-born scientist to possible to weigh the MnO2 at the start of receive a Nobel Prize the experiment and again the following 8. Leave the beads to harden for at least day when it has dried. It is also possible 10 minutes.
(a) John Tyndall to reuse the MnO2 frequently. 9. Filter the beads through a sieve and (b) Ernest Walton flush with copious amounts of water. (c) William Rowan Hamilton The method involves trapping MnO2 in 10. You should have sufficient beads for beads of gel so that it will react with, but at least one Gas Generator. not mix with, the hydrogen peroxide. 9. In Leaving Certificate Physics 2009 This makes it easy to recover the MnO2 Higher Level the percentage of at the end of the experiment and it is reusable. The immobilised beads of MnO2 may students that got an A1 Grade be used in the traditional preparation (a) 8.5% (b) 14.2% (c) 10.6% apparatus or can be used in the Gas Preparation of the immobil- Generator (See May 2008 Issue). ised Manganese dioxide The Gas Generator setup works well as 10. The first SciFest was held in 1. Add 0.4 g of sodium alginate to 10 ml of deionised water in a 100 ml you can control the amount of Oxygen (a) LYIT (b) ITT (c) ITS beaker. Mix thoroughly. gas given off – a little or a lot. It can be left set up in the fume cupboard.
Note: Only add the H2O2 The following websites were used to when it is needed as it will source the questions: deteriorate on exposure to www.scifest.ie, www.ista.ie, light. www.education.ie, www.ncca.ie, Declan Finlayson, www.btyoungscientist.ie, Vocational School, Borris, www.erc.ie and Co. Carlow. www.discover-science.ie
Send your answers to: Sheila Porter, SciFest National Coordinator, IR2 – 1 – T22, Intel Ireland, Leixlip, Co Kildare.
Don’t forget to include your name, email address, school name and school address. SCIENCE March 2010 11 Forensic Science course in UCC
Declan Kennedy
he wind was howling, interest in TV shows as CSI, explaining the rain was torrential, the science behind the various forensic science techniques used and hence to Troads throughout the create a real interest in science among country were flooded, Cork city our students. resembled a scene in Venice but, despite all this, a full complement As the teachers participated in the wide range of laboratory activities throughout of 30 science teachers travelled to the day, they learned how to create a UCC on Saturday 21 November crime scene in the classroom as well to undertake a course in Forensic as a portable crime scene in a box. Science. They also studied how to prepare an exercise about blood stain recognition The course organisers and (with fake blood of course!), learned presenters breathed a collective how to teach the mathematics of blood Microscopic analyses of hair samples sigh of relief when they witnessed spatters and examined fingerprinting techniques including the science behind the arrival of the teachers at 9 them. In addition, they compared Bob O’Brien, Elena Setterfiedl, Alison a.m. the registration desk. Two trace evidence such as hairs and fibres Grahan and Paul Redmond for all their of the teachers who participated under the microscope, looked at how hard work in preparing such outstanding in the course had left Wexford as chromatography could solve the case resource matetrials and presenting them early as 5 a.m.! of the Hitler diaries, how geometry can in such an enthusiastic and professional provide evidence about the trajectory of manner to the teachers. A special word The course was jointly sponsored bullets and learned about the increasing of thanks to Dr Milo Pravda and John by the Pfizer Foundation / Beyond importance of DNA evidence in solving Meehan, Chemistry Department UCC Benign and the SLSS and was run in crimes. The teachers received a wealth and to Noel Brett of STTLC for all the collaboration with the Department of of good teaching ideas for their science support and help given to presenters and Education UCC, the Department of lessons and all of the activities were teachers. Last but not least, full marks Chemistry UCC and the Science and designed to be easily reproduced with to the wonderful Marge Anderson of Technology Teaching and Learning their students in the school lab. the Pfizer Foundation / Beyond Benign Centre (STTLC) UCC. without whom the event could not Full marks to Marge Anderson for have taken place. It was clear from the Marge Anderson of the Pfizer masterminding the concept of Forensics feedback received from the teachers that Foundation organised all the logistics Science workshops for teachers and the day was a hugely successful one and and arranged an outstanding team of for all her hard work in ensuring that of real educational benefit in teaching presenters. Among these presenters everything ran so smoothly. . In addition, science in our secondary schools. was Bob O’Brien, Forensic Scientist, I would like to express my sincere thanks Dr Declan Kennedy is Connecticut State Laboratory, USA, to the SLSS for the enthusiastic support who gave the opening talk in which he and help given to this workshop and Senior Lecturer in Science Education, introduced the teachers to the world of to the many other workshopps carried University College, Cork. Forensic science and explained the role out during National Science Week. I He is also ISTA Membership Sectetary. of the forensic scientist in helping to also wish to express my appreciation to solve crimes. Other speakers included Elena Setterfield, a science teacher in England, as well as Alison Graham and Paul Redmond from Ireland who are well known as outstanding teachers in the area of forensic science. The team was assisted throughout the day by Dr Milo Pravda and John Meehan, Department of Chemistry UCC and Mr Noel Brett STTLC who provided all the necessary laboratory facilities and resources. Following the very interesting talk from Bob O’ Brien, the teachers participated in a series of different activities throughout the day. These activities were designed to introduce forensic science into the classroom and link it to topics on the science curricula in Irish schools. The overall aim of introducing forensic science into the classroom is to build on students’ Dr Bob O’Brien showing blood splatter patterns 12 www.ista.ie 2010 International Science and Biodiversity Year Technology in www.posterous.com Action, 5th edition
Biodiversity is Life Biodiversity is Our Life
r Mary Kelly, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency, recently Dstressed the need for the protection of biodiversity here in Ireland. We have a duty of care to future generations with regard to maintaining species. Our students are part of this future and they need to be made aware of the effects of loss of biodiversity in Ireland and to the planet.
he fifth edition ofScience and Technology in Action was Tdistributed to all second level schools in the country last November. It contains sixteen lessons on a variety of topics from the Leaving Certificate science syllabi. This brings the total number of lessons to ninety. All are available (within Ireland) on the Science and Technology in Action website: www.sta.ie.
Mr Batt O’Keeffe TD, Minister for Education 2010 is International Biodiversity Year and May 22nd and Science, formally launched the resource on is International Biodiversity Day. There may be some 27th January 2010 in the European Commission project you and your students can get involved in (e.g. building in Dublin. see the greenwave website below). The message is clear - Biodiversity matters. Check out the following websites. http://www.noticenature.ie , http://www.cbd.int/2010/welcome and http://greenwave.cbd.int/en/about-greenwave
Anna Gethings, Managing Director, AG Education Services with Batt O’Keeffe TD, Minister for Education and Science, and Dr Chris Horn, Member of the Department of the Taoiseach’s Taskforce on Innovation and President of Engineers Ireland, at the launch of the fifth editions of Spirit of Enterprise and Science & Technology in Action and the launch of European Science and Technology in Action Building Links with Industry, Schools and Home (ESTABLISH).
SCIENCE March 2010 13 Senior Science Quiz – A Neat New 20 years established Resource Mary Mullaghy Siobhan Sweeney
he ISTA Senior Science Quiz was the brain child of the hen I started teaching, back Dublin Branch Committee way back in 1990. In the in the dawn of time, our most Tearly years it was called ‘The Great Science Quiz’ and Wadvanced piece of AV equipment was confined to The Pale, but because of its popularity it was was a large cumbersome item called an rolled out nationwide in 1993. Epidiascope. An Epidiascope was a machine for projecting the Although it is 20 years since its establishment there was no Quiz in 2000 images of opaque objects or transparencies onto a because of Foot & Mouth Disease and in 2005 due to lack of personnel. screen. I loved it as it allowed me to show a whole But in 2006 it was put back on track again thanks to Deirdre Knox who class the page from a book or magazine or a piece spearheaded proceedings for two years. There have been various sponsors of lab equipment. We recently purchased a 21st over the years and currently the main sponsor of the National Final is century equivalent – a Mini Genee Vision. The PharmaChemical Ireland who provides a very generous prize fund for the Genee Vision is a visualiser, a type of video camera first five winning teams. that has controls which allow you to zoom in on any document or object ( 2D and 3D) and display it on a projection screen. The projection screen can The success of the Quiz is completely dependent on the national spirit of be any flat surface, a whiteboard, interactive board volunteerism of ISTA members all around the country who organize and or a wall. The Mini GV is a very compact portable support the Regional Finals, which take place on the Thursday of Science visualiser, 30 cm × 17.2 cm when folded, which Week. The annual Final takes place in Trinity College on the last Saturday means it can be moved from room to room and of November and is primarily run by the Dublin Branch Committee with a once the software has been loaded onto your PC or huge input from retired teachers whose wisdom we greatly appreciate. laptop, you can just plug it in and off you go. I have used it for a wide range of activities A big thanks to all the volunteers of the ISTA quizzes at both Regional including displaying photos in magazines, pages and National Finals. For fear of leaving someone out I won’t mention of a book, student work (both good and bad!), names – you all know who you are yourselves! I’m compiling questions handouts, agar plates with leaf yeasts, models for next year so if you have any that you wish to have in the mix you can of molecules and body parts, pieces of ecology email them onto me at [email protected]. It is open to all ISTA equipment etc. You can dissect a heart under it and members to submit questions on anything related to science! the whole class can watch, before going off to do it themselves. The beauty is that the image is in colour and can be saved as both moving and static images. YEAR WINNERS 1. 1990 Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 We purchased from Prim Ed Publishing www.prim- 2. 1991 Mount Temple Comprehensive, Malahide Road, ed.com at a cost of ~ € 600 + VAT. The mother Dublin 3 company is Genee World, www.geneeworld.com 3. 1992 Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co Dublin 4. 1993 Clonkeen College, Blackrock, Co Dublin Siobhan Sweeney, Blackrock College 5. 1994 St Paul’s College, Raheny, Dublin 5 6. 1995 Ard Scoil Rís, Limerick Image: http://www.prim-ed.com/ie/av/type/ 7. 1996 Presentation Brothers College, Co Cork 8. 1997 Villiers School, Limerick 9. 1998 St Josephs College, Galway 10. 1999 Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co Kerry 11. 2000 (Cancelled due to Foot & Mouth Disease) 12. 2001 St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan, Co Dublin 13. 2002 Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co Dublin 14. 2003 Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co Kerry 15. 2004 Presentation Brothers College, Co Cork 16. 2005 NO QUIZ! 17. 2006 Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal 18. 2007 St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo 19. 2008 Rice College, Westport, Co Mayo 20. 2009 St Andrew’s College, Booterstown Ave, Blackrock, Co Dublin
14 www.ista.ie Courses planned for the Au- tumn 2010
Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Sept. 2010 NCE-MSTL, University of Limerick
This course will introduce the particulate nature of matter in relation to elements, compounds and mixtures, atoms and molecules and will he National Centre for Teaching about the Human • Outline where problems lie in the Excellence in Mathematics Defence System, Immunity area of the Particulate Nature of and Science Teaching and T and Modern Diseases Matter and Atomic Structure Learning in collaboration with the for Biology and TY Science Teachers • Outline of the use of diagnostic SLSS are running the following tests to uncover students’ lack of The NCE-MSTL, University of understanding about atomic structure courses and workshops: Limerick on Thurs. Feb. 25th 2010, 7pm – 9pm • Explore teaching strategies for introducing the Particulate Nature Laboratory Management of Matter and overcoming these Workshop This in-service will provide tried and problems in a concrete and tangible tested ways of explaining difficult theory manner for Chemistry, Physics, Biology and and contemporary issues in biology. Science Teachers • Use new and innovative teaching Villiers Secondary School, North methodologies to teach the topic of Peer Learning Junior Certifi- Circular Rd., Limerick on Thurs. immunology. April 29th, 2010, 7pm – 9pm cate Science In-service • Use the resource pack (including Oct. 2010 For advice on and the opportunity to see activities, worksheets, teaching best practice Laboratory Management in resources and multimedia package) NCE-MSTL, University of Limerick, the running of all Second Level Science distributed to make the teaching of Limerick Laboratory Classes to include Chemistry, the immune system and immunity Guided discussion on how to implement Physics, Biology and Junior Science. more exciting, and easier to teach Peer Learning in a Junior Certificate Topics included are Experimental and learn. Science Class Procedures, Advice and Laboratory • Develop knowledge and an This workshop will focus on how to Preparation to ease the running of your understanding in immunology, the implement Peer Learning in the science laboratory classes, Chemical Stock spread and control of diseases. classroom with the aim of developing the Control set up, Chemical Storage, Safety students’ conceptual understanding of JC in the Laboratory and Waster Disposal. It also aims to improve teachers’ knowledge of careers in biology. All Science. The workshop will introduce a This workshop is facilitated by a second in-services will include material which number of activities which the teachers level technician in her school laboratory. is applicable and can be directly related can adapt for their classes and is aimed to many different areas of the leaving at enhancing teachers’ confidence in the certificate biology syllabus. teaching of JC Science through Peer Agricultural Science: Genet- Learning by presenting many practical www.nce-mstl.ie ideas and examples that teachers can ics and Animal Breeding use in their classes. Participants will be for Agricultural Science, TY Science given a resource on how to implement and Biology Teachers Applied Mathematics Peer Learning along with many Veterinary Sciences Centre, Room 116, Ordinary Level LC series of four practical examples for use in the science UCD Belfield, Dublin 4 on Wed. 24th Workshops for Mathematics and Physics classroom. Feb. 2010, 7pm-9pm Teachers. This workshop will incorporate many The NCE-MSTL, University of Problem Based Learning activities which Limerick, Limerick Booking contacts: the participants will carry out in groups. Mechanics Brid Finn, All these activities will be based on the Monday, March 1st, 2010, Limerick Education Centre, current agricultural science and biology 7pm-9pm Parkway Shopping Centre Complex, syllabus. Teachers will be provided with Projectiles Limerick. different teaching resources (pictures, Monday, March 8th, 2010, video clips), worksheets and activities 7pm-9pm that can be incorporated into their Ph. 061 43799 Email [email protected] Newton’s Laws of Motion lessons to help them teach this subject area in an easily understandable manner, Monday March 15th, 2010, relating theory to modern practices and 7pm-9pm Helen Fitzgerald, developments in agriculture and research Collisions NCE-MSTL, in agricultural science. This workshop Monday March 22nd, 2010, University of Limerick, will enable teachers to 7pm-9pm Limerick. • Develop an understanding of the scientific facts and principles of Agricultural Science Ph. 061 234786, genetics in agricultural science and Email [email protected] biology. Soil Forensics Oct. 2010 Limerick Institute of Technology, • Understand the scientific principles For further information on any of these of animal breeding. courses please go to www.nce-mstl.ie SCIENCE March 2010 15 Lego Robot Competition
Deirdre de Bhailís
he final night of the 6th The winning strategy Annual Cork Electronics came from the team from St Francis Capuchin TIndustry Association College, Rochestown (CEIA) Lego Robot Competition whose speedy robot took place at Maryborough House named “Chuck Norris” Hotel on Thursday, 11th February just got better and better 2010. The aim of the competition as the competition progressed. The boys is to find and encourage talented from Rochestown had students who could progress stiff competition in the to Electrical and Electronic final from the girls from Engineering courses at third level Ursuline, Blackrock and be innovators of the future. whose robot named “Michael Jordan” had Each year, the competition has a topped the scoreboard theme to highlight the many ways in in all rounds prior to the interest in technology related subjects which engineering and technology is final. and praised them for their curiosity, embedded in our lives today. creativity and technical ability. The winning team received a Logitech® This year the theme was Engineering in laptop for their school and each team Kevin Murray, Chartered Engineer Sports and the students were challenged member also received a Logitech® and Chairman of the Cork Region to build and program robots to play Squeezebox Boom™ Wi-Fi player. of Engineers Ireland welcomed the basketball using a kit supplied by CEIA. The team from Rochestown also took Lego Robot Competition as a great While working on the competition, the the honours for the best electronic opportunity for young people to students learned a high level of robotics scoreboard design while Glanmire experience the fun of problem solving and software programming techniques Community College won the best project and engineering at its best. and also developed project management, presentation prize. teamwork and presentation skills. The The competition, now in its sixth year, competition was launched in October Minister Micheál Martin attended the is being undertaken in conjunction with 2009 and concluded on 11th February final and met many of the students, University College Cork (UCC), Cork 2010. teachers and organisers. He encouraged Institute of Technology (CIT), Tyndall the students to continue to pursue their National Institute and the support of CEIA member companies. A key aspect of the initiative is that engineers, researchers and technologists from these institutes provide mentor support for the teams and this is an important opportunity to give the students an insight into potential careers in the industry. Cork is home to many Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies who provide challenging careers for those people interested in driving technological change and this competition focuses on the students who will be the engineers of the future. For further information, please contact:
Deirdre de Bhailís Electrical and Electronic Engineering Promotion Officer Cork Electronics Industry Association Tel: 086 2228339 Email: [email protected]
16 www.ista.ie Gallery
Pictured at the recent retirement function for Dr Carl O’Daly in the Department of Education and Science were (left to right) Declan Cahalane, Science Inspector, Seán Ó Donnabháin, Senior Science Inspector (retired), Dr Carl O’Daly, Deputy Chief Inspector, Dr Declan Kennedy, UCC and Dr Tim Desmond, State Examinations Commission. (Photo: Tony Weir)
Over several decades Dr O’Daly supported the ISTA, both in his role as Chemistry Inspector, and later as Deputy Chief Inspector. We wish him continued fulfilment and good health in his retirement.
Leahy and Gemma Shannon from St. Dominic’s Secondary School, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, who won the ISTA special award at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Competition 2010, along with their teacher Sarah Lynn Green. The project title was ‘Identifying and Changing Perceptions of Science at Primary Level’’. Also in the picture (back) is Sarah de Lacy who was highly commended for her project entitled ‘Economical manufacture of biodiesel’. This was the school’s first venture into the Young Scientist competition; we hope their success will inspire others to follow their example.
At the launch of ESTABLISH (European Science and Technology in Action Building Links with Industry, Schools and Home), an EU funded project involving partners in eleven countries: Dr Odilla Finlayson (DCU), Dr Andre Heck (University of Amsterdam), Dr Sarah Brady (DCU), Dr Lorraine McCormack (DCU), Jim Salisbury, Anna Gethings and Rory Geoghegan (AG Education Services) and Dr Eilish McLoughlin (DCU), project coordinator. The aim is to use inquiry-based science education to generate a greater interest in science subjects at school and to improve the uptake of science at third level.
SCIENCE March 2010 17 Miss Fitt—the early days
Paul Holland
iss Fitt, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed of each style of game will be discussed. The from a PhD, has just spent a year relevant physics formulae will be indicated at travelling around the world. During this point. M Sample discussion questions that time she enjoyed the high and low life, met different people and cultures, climbed Mount 1. What is the average mass of a player? If he runs 25 metres to gain a speed of 6 m/s prior to Everest, dived in the Marianas Trench, cajoled shooting, calculate the power involved and the herself a ride on the Space Shuttle and much total energy used. much more. 2. Compare the energies involved and the Returning to Ireland, she was accepted into teacher muscular requirements of this sport to the training at a school which had better remain nameless. Her nutrient and energy content of different foods. observation week has convinced her that some teachers Suggest a suitable diet for a hurler. (like me, for example) have had their day (she may be right 3. Discuss in general sports, diet and obesity. there) and that she has plenty to bring to the profession. We will now proceed to the sensory requirements of the players and possibly the different intelligences that are required. Act one―the dream: Hopefully, the students will supply the Miss Fitt’s first lesson plan information although they may not be familiar Topic: hurling with the terminology. Innate and learned Target group: people of all abilities reflexes will be introduced here. Context: Traditional subject-centred teaching of the course Sample questions will be done only where absolutely necessary. It 1. The average speeds of impulses along is my intention to base the learning around core myelinated neurons are about 120 m/s. Discuss topics which will draw on different disciplines the implications of this for defenders facing within and outside of Science. Later core a penalty in hurling. Would arthropods make topics will include the mobile phone, pollution, good hurlers? biodiversity in the school premises and others to 2. What types of intelligence are involved in (a) a be decided in conjunction with the students. coach devising a game plan (b) a player doing a About the class: Mixed-ability group. The students will backward overhead volley to score a goal? wear name tags until such time as I know all 3. What animal instincts are sublimated in the their names. On my observation session, I noted game of hurling? a distinct lack of motivation and believe this is due to an unwillingness on the part of the existing teacher to be adventurous, innovative At this stage, I will formally introduce projectile motion, and well-informed. Before the lesson, I intend display the necessary equations and have the students to interview the other teachers of this class with do simple problems. (Spin of the sliotar will be treated a view to ascertaining information which might qualitatively only.) enable me to modify my lesson objectives to best effect. A chemistry dimension exists in hurling. For instance, Teaching aids: Digital whiteboard, data projector, DVD what are sliotars, hurls, boots and playing togs made of? player and discs. The students will list the different materials and state what The lesson: I will commence by asking the students about properties make them suitable for use in the game. their interests and participation levels in sport. The conversation will then be guided towards If time permits, I will introduce probability, permutations hurling. (Why hurling?―it is our national and combinations as they relate to game outcomes, team game, making it relevant to Irish-born students line-out and team selection. and a matter of immediate interest to non- nationals. Furthermore, in my opinion, it is the game best suited to exemplifying many diverse Homework assignments scientific principles.) 1. Write an essay on how advances in technology By appropriate use of action clips, the students and scientific knowledge have influenced the will be encouraged to compare different playing evolution of hurling. styles, e.g. the Galway possession/running 2. Explain how the physical geography, ecology method compared to the more traditional Cork and climate of an area influence the playing of catch/strike game and other styles of which the hurling there. students are aware. The energy requirements
18 www.ista.ie Act two—the nightmare: Marian: Well it’s not his fault if he doesn’t know. You’re not Miss Fitt’s first lesson teaching us anything anyway. Miss Fitt: I thought you’d know something yourselves. You know enough about mobile phones and iPods all Scene: The classroom. Class waiting in semi-darkness. Enter right. Now will you stop this messing and tell me Miss Fitt, weighed down with books, laptop and other paraphernalia. how many are on a hurling team. Marian! Miss Fitt: For goodness sake, why haven’t you put on the Marian: What? lights? Miss Fitt: Answer the question. (She touches the switch and realises there is no Marian (shouting): And I didn’t hear you—now leave me electricity) alone! Steve: We should be allowed go home. It’s too dark to do Miss Fitt: Oliver, how many are on a hurling team? any work. Oliver: Eleven. Marian: Yeah. Can you ask the principal to let us go, miss? Miss Fitt: Try again. Miss Fitt (talking to herself and realising that bang goes half Oliver: 4...10...20, 50..how would I know? of her lesson): Calm yourself, girl...Think of how you managed to survive the Marianas Trench... Linda: 262 and a quarter, no sorry, 28.616 recurring! (Laughs at her own joke) Marian (overhearing): What are you saying about me? If you’ve something to say, don’t be mumbling! Miss Fitt: There are 15 on a hurling team. Miss Fitt (quickly composing herself): Well actually Marian... Fiona: Oh, I know that game. I was going to ask you if you were interested in Miss Fitt: Tell us more, Fiona. sport. Fiona: There are 15 on the team. They play it with that Marian: Oh yeah! Man U, ra ra ra!! Man U, ra ra ra!!...... funny egg-shaped ball and they belt the daylights Miss Fitt: All right, Marian, quiet it down! Kevin, what sport out of each other. do you like? Miss Fitt: No no no! That’s rugby. Kevin: Soccer, Liverpool are the greatest, Liverpool are Carmel: No, you’re wrong. the greatest..... (In the subdued light, Kevin soaks some cotton wool at a tap Miss Fitt: Kevin! Kevin!!! and rolls it into a ball. Miss Fitt doesn’t notice) Kevin: Liverpool are the greatest, and I’m going to play Miss Fitt: Stop! Stop! Stop! Listen, in hurling they use a for them and live in a huge house in Cheshire. sliotar. Miss Fitt: Well, you might think of going to your P.E. classes Linda: Did you hear that, everyone? She said s(indistinct).. then. Tim: You can’t be using language like that in a class Carmel: That’s none of your business. when you’re supposed to be teaching us! I’m Kevin: Yeah, I have a note. telling my parents. Miss Fitt: Show it to me then. Miss Fitt (purple with fury): I said nothing of the type! Kevin: I’ve lost it. Marian: Oh yeah you didn’t. We all heard you! Miss Fitt: Look, I’m hearing enough about soccer and none Miss Fitt (roaring): I said they play hurling with a sliotar, of you capable of walking 100 metres to school. I which is a special type of ball—not that you lot want to talk to you about some other sports. would care anyway. They hit it with hurls. Steve: Yawn! Tina: Oh God, remember the school sports last year! We knocked all the hurdles and Fitzie threw them in the Carmel: Oh, they’re not important. river. And Mahon got into a fit over it... (everyone Miss Fitt: Now, hurling. is laughing and oblivious to Miss Fitt at this stage). Conor: What’s hurling? Steve: She was roaring her head off and the two guards Marian: Who cares? came running in thinking they had to break up a Miss Fitt (incredulous): You mean to say you don’t know fight! They were looking at her as if they were what hurling is? wondering where she had escaped from. Steve: Is it like soccer? (At that instant, Kevin catapults the wet cotton wool at Miss Fitt with a ruler, hitting her well-done hair-do) Miss Fitt: Be serious. Kevin (laughing): Projectile motion, miss! Steve: All right it isn’t, if you say so. It’s you who’s getting bothered about it. Tim: You have to put a ball into a net. The lights flash on suddenly and, with them, the fire alarm, whereupon everybody heads for the yard, Kevin: And it’s too much trouble, too much running. abandoning their classes. Miss Fitt: And I suppose they never run in soccer? (Tina gives a loud derisory laugh) It turned out to be a false alarm but a fortunate one for Miss Tim: Look, you asked me about hurling, so stop hassling Fitt, who decided to set more modest objectives for me! her subsequent classes. Miss Fitt: Tim, please continue. Tim: There’s five on a team. You play it in a gym. Paul Holland, Presentation College, Galway Miss Fitt: Oh good God, that’s basketball! Do you know anything?
SCIENCE March 2010 19 ISTA Senior Science Quiz 2009 (sponsored by PharmaChemical Ireland)
Mary Mullaghy
he National Final of the ISTA- PharmaChemical Ireland Senior Science Quiz T2009 was held in Trinity College, Dublin on 28th November 2009. Thirty six teams competed.
The winners were Shane Harding, Emmet Sheerin and 3rd Place: Rupert Christie, Soyama Anachbe andAnna Matthew Hainbach from St Andrew’s College, Booterstown Tierney Wesley College, Ballinteer, Dublin 16. Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (Guest Quizmaster), Matt Moran Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (Guest Quizmaster), Matt Moran (PharmaChemical Ireland), Shane Harding, Emmet Sheerin, (PharmaChemical Ireland), Rupert Christie, Soyama Anachbe, Matthew Hainbach, Ms Hilary Rimbi (Teacher) and John Anna Tierney, Mr Richard Fox (Teacher) and Lucey (Chairperson of ISTA) John Lucey (Chairperson of ISTA) Runners up: Caoimhe O’Donohue, Lisa Flynn and Declan O’Loughlin Ennistymon CBS, Ennistymon, Co Clare 4th Place: Ronan Maher, Andrew Thombung and Karla Kavanagh Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (Guest Quizmaster), Matt Moran Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (Guest Quizmaster), Matt Moran (PharmaChemical Ireland), Caoimhe O’Donohue, Lisa Flynn, (PharmaChemical Ireland), Ronan Maher, Andrew Thombung, Declan O’Loughlin, Ms Mary Lyons (Teacher) and John Lucey Karla Kavanagh, Ms Siobhán Sweeney (Teacher) and John (Chairperson of ISTA) Lucey (Chairperson of ISTA)
20 www.ista.ie 5th Place: Michael Walsh, Matthew Cody and Eoghan Curran, Good Counsel College, New Ross, Co Wexford
Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (Guest Quizmaster), Matt Moran (PharmaChemical Ireland), Michael Walsh, Matthew Cody, Eoghan Curran, Mr Michael O’Neill (Teacher) and Presentation to the Quizmaster John Lucey (Chairperson of ISTA) A gift, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, was presented to Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin by Mary Mullaghy, the Quiz Coordinator. The Top Ten Teams at the ISTA Science Quiz Final 2009
1. St Andrew’s College, Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin. 2. Ennistymon CBS, Ennistymon, Co Clare. 3. Wesley College, Ballinteer, Dublin 16. 4. Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co Dublin. 5. Good Counsel College SS, New Ross, Co Wexford. 6. Marist College, Retreat Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath. 7. St Louis College, Kiltimagh , Co Mayo. 8. Mount Anville, Mount Anville Road, Goatstown, Dublin 14. 9. St Gerard’s School, Thornhill Road, Bray, Co Wicklow. 10. Coláiste Chríost Rí, Capwell Road, Turner’s Cross, Cork.
(L-R) Rory Geogehagan (Score keeper) Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (Guest Quizmaster), Matt Moran (PharmaChemical Ireland), Mary Mullaghy (Quiz Coordinator), John Lucey (ISTA Chairperson) & Ian McCullough (Adjudicator)
SCIENCE March 2010 21 The OHP in the Laboratory: 1 Randal Henly
hen overhead projectors started to appear or beakers at the same time. This makes it possible to in school laboratories in the early 1970s, compare reactions side by side. (When using Petri dishes or indeed any item that has been raised slightly about Wtheir main purpose was as an alternative the stage, the OHP will have to be refocused to make the to the blackboard — teacher could write and/or image on the screen sharp.) draw, and keep an eye on the class at the same time. It wasn’t long before it was discovered that many experiments could be projected, making them either visible, or more visible to a class, than had been the Part 1: Chemistry demonstrations case. Over the years I have seen many dozens of different things advantageously projected. Change of State Many of the ideas I have come across I adapted for regular use, while others I can claim as being my own — although I (i) Evaporation am sure others will also have invented these same uses. On By means of a dropper, put a few cm3 of a volatile liquid the assumption that no one can know everything, I have set (acetone, ether, etc.) on the OHP. It quickly ‘disappears’. down a list and description of some of the experiments which The heat from the projector bulb of course, accelerates the can be advantageously projected. Perhaps others might like evaporation, making the demonstration very effective. No to add to the list — either by just letting me know what they flames about; both of the mentioned liquids — and their do, or better still, writing out a description for publication in vapours — are flammable. SCIENCE, of what and how they do it. Reactions on the OHP can be very quickly done and cleared away, and as well, only (ii) Melting small amounts of chemicals are needed. Perhaps this one is too obvious, but it is good to contrast it Not being a biologist, my own list excludes the many with sublimation (which follows). Place a few small pieces of biological experiments which I am sure must be out there, so I broken up ice — which should be dry (use filter paper) — on am relying totally on others to fill that gap. I can imagine that the OHP. They slowly melt, forming puddles of water. creepy-crawlies put on the overhead are fascinating to watch, and possible something educational could be deduced from the (iii) Sublimation observation. It is really constructive to do this. While ‘dry ice’ can be Of course, nowadays you can find, on the Internet, animations purchased, it is readily obtainable from a carbon dioxide fire of probably all the experiments mentioned here, but showing extinguisher. Fold a piece of cloth (of close-weave) into a an animation does not involve doing the experiment, whereas sort of a bag, and place it over the nozzle of the extinguisher what is described here does, and this surely must be far more (leaving some space in the ‘bag’ to collect the dry ice). constructive than just using the laptop and data projector. I Holding the bag securely, discharge the extinguisher for about hope that the overhead projector will continue to be a standard three seconds. Dry ice will collect in the bag. Scatter it over item in every school laboratory. In doing experiments on the the OHP; in about half a minute or so, it will have disappeared projector, cover the stage (i.e., the glass plate on which the — without leaving puddles as was the case with normal ice. acetates are placed) with colourless glass or perspex to protect (I always had two CO2 extinguishers in my laboratory, one the projector from possible spills. Better still, use a tray with a of which was kept for emergencies, though in 36 years it was transparent bottom, as such will contain any spilled liquids. never needed.) As far as I know, there is no book on the use of the overhead projector in science teaching, nor has any scientific journal carried a series of articles such as I am envisaging. Diffusion in a Liquid Two general recommendations first: (i) Into a beaker or Petri dish containing water, add carefully two or three potassium permanganate crystals. The (i) Mask out irrelevant portions of the OHP stage (the diffusion of the crystals over a period of time is clearly illuminated top of the projector) where nothing is visible. happening. This concentrates attention on what is (ii) Into each of three dishes, containing respectively cold happening; it reduces white areas on the screen which will water, warm water, and hot water, add a few permanganate dazzle, and it reduces stray light into the room. Pieces of crystals. The rate of diffusion, as a function of lightweight white cardboard (keep these to hand for the temperature, is then seen. purpose when needed) are recommended. Black cardboard will absorb heat and may become unnecessarily hot. (ii) Several of the demonstrations involve beakers or Petri dishes on the OHP. Prepare some cardboard masks with Introducing Solubility holes of diameter equal to that of a standard 250 cm3 To some water in a Petri dish or in a beaker placed on the OHP, beaker and a standard Petri dish. Keep these somewhere add some soluble solid. It ‘disappears’ as it dissolves, the time safe for use when needed. Always use glass Petri dishes. taken depending on its speed of dissolving. Potassium iodide They are more transparent and easier to clean. The is particularly good in this respect; it dissolves quickly even OHP stage is big enough to hold up to four Petri dishes without being stirred (Note: do not throw out the resulting 22 www.ista.ie solution; potassium iodide is one of the most expensive school- This same method can be used for showing the reactions of laboratory chemicals, so add the solution to the KI stock bottle lithium, calcium and magnesium with water, but do not use it afterwards,) Sodium potassium tartrate (‘Rochelle salts’) also for potassium. Calcium on reaction with water forms calcium dissolves quickly and is not so expensive. An extension to the hydroxide, whose solubility is negligible. A precipitate is experiment is to continue adding the solute until a saturated therefore formed and the image on the screen is quickly solution is formed. obscured (a precipitate will not transmit light.) To show insolubility, write something, or just put marks on the stage of the OHP with both a water-soluble marker and a ‘Transparent atoms’ permanent marker, and let the marks dry for a few moments. Wipe the marks clean with a damp tissue or cloth — when Many years ago I became quite tired of drawing atoms on the the water-soluble marker is cleaned off but not the other. blackboard (it was before we converted to whiteboards), then Now wipe with a tissue moistened with alcohol or propanone/ drawing them again with an electron (or electrons) relocated acetone, when the ‘permanent’ marker is cleaned away. to show ionic bonds, or perhaps with the atoms overlapping to show covalent bonds. Then cleaning the blackboard and covering everything with chalk dust before repeating the process. All that changed when I thought up the idea of Instant crystallisation ‘transparent atoms’(1), which I used for certainly the last twenty of my teaching years. This can be demonstrated by allowing a supersaturated solution to crystallise. A supersaturated solution is an unstable solution that contains more solute than the solubility of the substance. In reality such a solution shouldn’t exist but there are a few substances than can supersaturate, sodium thiosulfate being one. When heated, it can dissolve in its own water of crystallisation. A small quantity of added water makes a supersaturated solution slightly more stable. Take a spotlessly-clean boiling tube about half full of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O35H2O) crystals. Add two to three cm3 of water and heat gently over a Bunsen burner. Agitate the tube so that all parts become heated; do not let the solution boil. When all the crystals have dissolved, set the tube aside (where it will not be disturbed) to cool (takes about two hours). Into a spotlessly-clean Petri dish placed on the OHP, pour the cold supersaturated solution. Normal crystallisation will probably start immediately, but if not, add one crystal of the thiosulfate and observe the formation of crystals spreading throughout the liquid. Place a ‘sodium atom’ and a ‘chlorine atom’ on the overhead projector. With the aid of forceps (2), transfer sodium’s outer As can happen, crystallisation may occur as the solution is electron to the gap in cooling. I have always prepared at least three supersaturated chlorine’s outer shell. solutions in advance so that if premature crystallisation should Then add a + sign to occur in one, there are reserves! the sodium atom and a – sign to the chlorine. Opposite charges The Colour of Indicators attract, and so the Into some beakers or Petri dishes, place a selection of solutions atoms hold together, of laboratory chemicals and household substances. Suitable i.e, the ionic bond. substances include water, dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide solution, limewater, aqueous ammonia, vinegar, To show covalent bonding, take say two chlorine atoms and sour milk, milk of magnesia, lemon juice, toothpaste, rhubarb overlap them so there is a shared pair of electrons between juice, etc. Into each solution add a drop or so (the actual them. Hey Presto — the result is a covalently-bound chlorine amount depending on the depth of liquid in the container) of molecule! litmus or universal indicator. The projected range of colours is Do likewise for other compounds, by moving ‘electrons’ easily visible, even to the pupil in the back row, from one or more atoms to another (for ionic compounds) An extension to this — appropriate to L.C chemistry level, is and overlapping the outer ‘shells’ of atoms (for covalent to set up two or more sets of solutions, add different indicators, compounds). and compare results. For those that want to try the idea, I will send the master sheet if you email me: [email protected]. Photocopy it on to a sheet of acetate and then cut out all of the ‘atoms’. Produce Sodium plus water There are a number of safe methods for demonstrating the reactions of the alkali metals and water, one of which used the FOOTNOTES overhead projector. Place a large beaker or small glass trough (1) My transparent atoms showed outer electrons only. on the projector. Fill it to a depth of about 2 cm with water. (2) The focus of the projector now needs to be adjusted. Do this A forceps is highly recommended, not only because it is by floating say a small piece of cork on the surface of the water much easier to hold the ‘electron’ but because the class can and adjust the focus so that the cork is sharply defined on the see what is happening as otherwise the shadow of the hand screen; then remove the piece of cork. Now add a small piece would obscure everything of sodium (no bigger than a pea) and immediately cover the (3) The OHP needs to be refocussed yet again, for the object vessel with a sheet of glass. The reaction is clearly seen on (the ball bearing frame) is not now resting of the stage of to the screen. Take the usual precautions when cutting and the projector; it is raised by one or two cm because of the handling sodium. fingers underneath holding it.
SCIENCE March 2010 23 Capillary Tubes Presumably Leaving Certificate chemistry teachers explain what a capillary tube is, when introducing its use for measuring melting points. Just by placing one on the OHP shows immediately what it is; the bore is clearly visible. By then sealing one end in the Bunsen flame and placing it back on the OHP (allow say, five seconds for it to cool), the seal is clearly seen.
Reactions of metals and acid This demonstration can be used when introducing (or revising) reactions of acids. Place a beaker containing dilute (about 2 M) sulfuric or hydrochloric acid on the OHP (a beaker is preferable to a Petri dish as it holds in the ‘spray’ of acid which forms) and the metal ‘disappears’ as a soluble salt is formed. a pile of ‘electrons’ by punching out holes in lightweight Magnesium is best as it reacts quickly. Also shown in this cardboard (e.g., a Cornflakes box) with a paper punch. To demonstration is the release of bubbles of gas (which of course simulate metals atoms on the OHP, one or more ‘electrons’ is hydrogen). need to be placed on the outer shells of those atoms. This demonstration can be extended to show the reaction I used to store my ‘atoms’ in a shallow box with ten of different metals and acid, i.e., to introduce the reactivity compartments, eight for the eight groups of elements, and the series. Take say four beakers and add the same volume of the other two for the ‘electrons’ and for the positive and negative same concentration acid to each; about 1.5 or 2 M sulfuric is charges. The forceps lived in the same box, so it was always suitable. Now drop in similar sized pieces of magnesium, zinc, there when needed. iron (sanded if necessary) and copper, when the reactions will respectively be vigorous, fast (after a few moments), very slow and zero. The ball-bearing kinetic theory model This I think, must be one of the most useful devices that I ever constructed. Projected from the OHP(3), it admirably illustrates Reactions of metal carbonates and acid the state and motion of the particles in solids, liquids and This demonstration is done in a similar way. All metal gases. The idea for it came from David Clark who for many carbonate are suitable as they all react with acids. Use a small years taught physics in the Kings’ Hospital. amount (one or two of grams). Too much will take time, and as The model is constructed of two pieces of glass, with a frame well, there may not be enough acid to react with it. Particularly of cardboard separating them. The cardboard needs to slightly recommended in copper carbonate, for the insoluble solid thicker than the diameter of the ball bearings. Strong tape reacts to form a blue solution. A variation is to put the holds the glass and frame together. The dimensions are not carbonate into the dish first, and then add acid. If calcium critical; the model which I built measures 23 by 18 by 1.6 cm, carbonate (marble ‘chips’) is used, the ‘chips’ appear to and it contains about 120 bearings of diameter 7 mm. After 25 dissolve and the reaction forms calcium hydroxide which soon years it is showing signs of its age but that doesn’t detract from covers the whole of the dish, blocking off the light. (Useful its function. question and answer stuff here.) Holding the model almost horizontally(3) but with a slight tilt towards the operator, it is shaken from side to side, until the ball bearings arrange themselves into a nice regular pattern Precipitation reactions (= state of particles in solids). Continuing shaking (not too Precipitates show up as dark opaque blobs on the screen, where vigorously), it is made more horizontal, and at some stage, the solid blocks the light from the projector. A colour of course the bearings will have lost their regular pattern and will cannot be seen. Show, for example, the test for chlorides, by be randomly placed, but still in contact with each other (= adding a few drops of silver nitrate solution to some (very) melting, and the state of particles in liquids). Flattening it out dilute sodium chloride. A precipitate (of silver chloride) is still more until it is horizontal, the stage is reached when the formed. Now add aqueous ammonia, when the precipitate will bearings are filling the entire area, bumping off each other ‘dissolve’ (Dissolve of course is really the incorrect term; the and off the sides (continue shaking), representing the state of precipitated silver chloride forms a soluble complex with the particles in gases. ammonia and so appears to dissolve.) Now the reverse changes can be shown. Still shaking the model from side to side, the frame is slowly and slightly tilted, until the bearings are on the bottom of the frame, touching Rates of Reaction but still moving about (= condensation and state of liquid). Continue shaking and tilt still more, when the bearings will The procedure is similar to that of the previous arrange themselves into a regular pattern (= freezing and the demonstration. Into three beakers containing either state in solids). Now if you want to extend the simulation one (i) acid of various concentrations, or (ii) acid of the more step, stop shaking and slowly flatten the frame out until it is practically horizontal; one or two of the bearings will roll same concentration but at different temperatures, upwards, illustrating sublimation! add equal amounts of similar sized pieces of magnesium. Rate of reaction as a function of (i) Some practice is essential before demonstrating this animation concentration or (ii) temperature is then illustrated. to a class. This is a good way to introduce the topic before getting the pupils to carry out the quantitative experiment.
24 www.ista.ie Those that have attended Fun with Science may have seen oxygen will react with the carbon, forming carbon dioxide that the ‘Hawaiian Sunset’. This is an extension of the Leaving will dissolve in the water. It would appear then that no gas is Certificate experiment in which the rate of the reaction liberated — contrary to what is to be demonstrated. of sodium thiosulfate with hydrochloric acid depends on concentration; in that reaction, colloidal sulfur is precipitated: Connect the two electrodes to a d.c.
Na2S2O2 + 2HCl —> 2NaCl + S + SO2 + H2O power source. 12 volts will probably be suitable When light from an OHP is passed through a solution for most applications. containing colloidal sulfur, the red is transmitted and the blue However, if the is scattered. As more and more sulfur is formed, less and less electrolyte is of such a light is transmitted, leading to the light on the screen becoming concentration that the redder and darker and finally black, as the ‘sun sets’! current taken trips the circuit breaker on the To carry out the experiment in an ordinary way, take about 3 power supply, just use a 250 cm of 0.1 M sodium thiosulfate solution in a large lower voltage. beaker or conical flask and add about 10 cm3 of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Mix well. Place the container on the Two good electrolyses to projector. As the reaction proceeds, the initial transmitted demonstrate on the OHP white light on the screen becomes yellow and then more and are the following: more red, and finally black. At the same time, the contents of the beaker, initially colourless, becomes more and more blue, (i) Dilute sulfuric acid, which electrolyses to give hydrogen owing to that colour being scattered by the sulfur particles. and oxygen; bubbles of gases (oxygen and hydrogen) will be observed (at anode and cathode respectively). Hydrochloric and nitric acids are less suitable as other reactions will occur at the same time. To make the demonstration into a bit of a spectacle, it is carried (ii) Potassium iodide solution (colourless), which on out as follows. A pyrex dish (or similar) of suitable size (about electrolysis yields hydrogen, so that bubbles will be seen 20 cm diameter) to sit on the OHP is needed. Such a size holds 3 (at the cathode), and iodine at the anode, around which the about 700 to 800 cm of solution. For demonstration, place 100 characteristic red/yellow colour of iodine will form. cm3 of sodium thiosulfate (0.5 M) in the dish and mix in 650 cm3 of water containing 15 cm3 of conc. HCl. These amounts and concentrations should give a sunset time of about 15 to 20 seconds, but it is advisable Professor Alyea’s Discovery to test beforehand and adjust (This description is adapted from ‘Chemical Demonstrations’ concentrations if necessary. by Basaam Shakhashiri) Now place a suitable acetate One small shortcoming with demonstrations on the OHP is (e.g., palm trees) on the OHP that reactions are all viewed from the top looking down, rather under the dish, mask out than from the side, as one might normally look at a flask or stray light from the projector, test tube. The difference is particularly noticeable in the case darken the room, and play of reactions involving bubbles. With the OHP, bubbles appear Hawaiian music during the on the screen just as vigorous activity. One misses the fact that waiting period!‘ bubbles rise in a liquid. Hubert Alyea (1903—1996), a renowned professor of chemistry at Princeton, was a great proponent of using the Equilibrium OHP to show chemical demonstrations. But he long ago The shifting of equilibrium decided that he wanted students to see the bubbles rise when can be shown by adding alternately, dilute sulfuric acid, and a gas was generated in a reaction. So he favoured vertical then dilute alkali (NaOH), to a solution of potassium chromate. projection of demonstrations and for that purpose invented On addition of acid, the yellow chromate ion is converted to a special TOPS projector — which worked well but was the orange dichromate ion; addition of alkali changes it back somewhat cumbersome. again: Then, in 1988 he made a startling discovery. If a thin flat cell 2H+ + 2CrO 2– ——> Cr O 2– + H O is placed on the stage of a projector at an angle of about 20˚ 4 2 7 2 to the horizontal, the container appears on the screen to be yellow orange standing in a vertical position. For best results, the container should have flat parallel sides. The rectangular containers in which ‘Tic Tacs’ are bought are suitable (although a bit small) and some toothbrush boxes will work. Undoubtedly other Formation of complexes suitable containers are available; test tubes do not work well The formation of a complex or coordination compound can (try them and see why!). The screen image shows them as be shown by adding aqueous ammonia to a solution of copper if in the normal upright position, and bubbles can be seen to sulfate, contained in a Petri dish. The initial precipitate of rise during chemical reactions. Some arrangement to hold the insoluble copper hydroxide is followed by the formation of container at the appropriate angle is all that is needed. The 2+ technique is so simple and it works so well, that one cannot the deep royal blue Cu(NH3)4 ion — as found in Fehling’s solution. help wondering why it had never been tried before! Electrolysis There are a number of ways of demonstrating electrolysis Part 2: Physics demonstrations will be featured in the next reactions on the OHP; the apparatus described is probably issue of SCIENCE. the simplest to set up. Attach two electrodes (e.g., platinum, Randal Henly, longtime Editor of SCIENCE, taught Chemistry nickel or even copper wire) to the opposite sides of a Petri and Physics in Mount Temple Community School, Dublin dish, like that shown. Do not use carbon electrodes for any reaction in which oxygen is being liberated. In such a case, the SCIENCE March 2010 25 Phlebotomists―today’s barber surgeons Paul Holland
ost of us have met physiology were the same as in other them―the professional animals (similar, yes, but not the same). According to him, blood loss was Mpeople whose job is natural―well, we all get nosebleeds. the taking of blood for analysis, Women lost blood in menstruation and, transfusions or research. The as a result, didn’t suffer from gout, name of the specialty may be apoplexy and epilepsy the way men did. new but the procedure of blood- Incidentally, Galen believed blood was made in the liver. Veins radiated from letting has been around for over there and arteries radiated from the heart. 2000 years. It has featured in many ancient cultures, including Galen’s ideas held sway long after the the Chinese, where it was Roman Empire was a distant memory. A whole discipline was built around blood- associated with the more benign letting. Spring and early September acupuncture. were considered to be the best times. The Western world has used the Astrology also provided guidance on technique since the time of Hippocrates. when it should be done. The point of In those days there was a certain incision mattered. Apparently, anything Galen (Image: Wikipedia) obsession with excess fluids in the could be treated including syphilis, body causing disease and that releasing headaches and fever (a very broad the limbs. Leeches have been used to them could only be a good thing. Galen term then). Beneficial effects included make re-attached fingers bleed, thereby (129–216 A.D.) wrote extensively calmness, a cooler body, improved sight re-starting their circulation. Newly-born on medicine, including blood-letting. and hearing, better spirits and sound rhesus-positive children sometimes Born in present-day Turkey, he worked sleep. Sleep could certainly follow need exchange transfusions because in sports medicine at one stage (as a fatigue after blood loss and it might be they have received lethal antibody doses physician to gladiators) and later studied argued that people suffering from high from their rhesus-negative mothers. in Alexandria, where all the action blood pressure gained relief sometimes. Erythremia―a serious overproduction of was. His influence stemmed from his red blood cells―is sometimes relieved dominating attitude, belittling the work Blood-letting continued in use right up to by the removal of blood, along with of other physicians, and the fact that Victorian times. William Cullen used it other treatments. Hemochromatosis his writings survived. Rather modestly, in Scotland in the 1700s to treat spasms is an over-retention of iron which can he declared that while Hippocrates had associated with fever (cold, typhus, poison body organs. In this case, blood staked out the path of truth, he was the typhoid and smallpox). Dr Rush, a is regularly removed so that excess iron one who had made it passable. signatory of the American Declaration of goes to the manufacture of red blood Independence, advocated its copious use cells. People regularly give blood for use Galen dissected animals, but not and Dr Broussais in France made use of in transfusions, a blood-letting we can humans. He made a cardinal error in leeches rather than surgical equipment. tolerate in order to save a life. assuming that human anatomy and It was regular practice to take blood until a patient fainted or was on the The history of blood-letting may offer us verge of doing so. some sharp lessons: 1. A conclusion may be obvious, as it However, scepticism was was to Galen, but it may not be true. growing. Harvey finally settled the mysteries of blood 2. A conclusion may be valid, based circulation. Dr Pierre Louis on the current knowledge, but that in France (1787-1872) did knowledge may well be false. It is statistical analyses to prove that important to know when you don’t blood-letting was worthless in know. the treatment of pneumonia. Le 3. Empirical observation, as performed Sage satirised the excesses of by Dr Louis, is a good test of any blood-letters in his book “The theory. adventures of Gil Blanc” where We would never make mistakes like that he cynically stated “It is a mere in the 21st century, would we? vulgar error that blood is of any use”. Paul Holland Phlebotomy is with us today but rarely as an Presentation College, Galway actual treatment for disease. Acupuncture sometimes involves squeezing drops of blood from the extremities of Bloodletting (Image: Wikipedia) 26 www.ista.ie Somerfield’s Thoughts: Perfect beads A Thought about every time! fireworks Declan Finlayson Dr Adrian Somerfield
t New Year I watched on TV a display of n extract from the instructions for fireworks in Sydney, in which they seem intent the mandatory practical ‘Prepare one Ayet again on destroying the famous Harbour Aenzyme immobilisation and examine Bridge! The commentary said that some 500 kg of its application’ from the Support Materials, fireworks had been let off, but implied that we need Laboratory Handbook for Teachers states as not worry much, since the process was carbon-neutral. follows: It struck me that there was some very dubious chemistry involved here, but maybe they thought nobody would notice. 6. Draw all of the mixture into a 20 cm3 syringe. The principal component of fireworks is essentially gunpowder 7. From a height of 10 cm release the mixture from the consisting of potassium nitrate (75%), carbon or charcoal (15%) syringe, one drop at a time, into the calcium chloride and sulphur (10%), and a simplified equation of the explosive solution. Beads containing yeast cells will form. reaction is 8. Leave the beads to harden for at least 10 minutes.
2KNO3 + 3C + S → K2S + N2 + 3CO2 One of my students, Kevin Joyce, came up with a (with subsidiary reactions leading to pollutants such as sulphur modification to the above procedure that will ensure perfect Galen (Image: Wikipedia) dioxide and sulphuric acid and possibly oxides of nitrogen, and beads every time – no more ‘worms’. It goes as follows: potassium carbonate etc).
Since the charcoal is likely to made from wood and ends up 6. Draw all of the mixture into a 20 cm3 syringe. as carbon dioxide it could be said to be being recycled, though 7. Clamp the syringe onto a retort stand at a height of 10 some energy is consumed (albeit possibly also by burning wood) cm above the calcium chloride solution. Remove the in producing the charcoal from wood. plunger. The syringe contents will slowly drip into the The sulphur is nowadays as likely to have come from the calcium chloride solution forming perfect beads. See refinement of natural gas or petroleum as from the Frasch photo. system, but its production is certain to have required energy from 8. Leave the beads to harden for at least 10 minutes. some source. Potassium nitrate may have been obtained in medieval times from dunghills and damp cellars, but I suspect that the stuff This was a great discovery because our practical double used today arises from atmospheric nitrogen starting with the class is split by lunch time. It allowed us to complete steps 7 Haber−Bosch process, where the nitrogen, first separated from and 8 above when we were not even in the lab. air by fractional distillation (using energy), is combined with hydrogen, now largely obtained from natural gas (a fossil fuel) In other and steam by such catalysed reactions as circumstances it CH + H O → CO + 3H (synthesis gas) allows students 4 2 2 proceed to the CO + H O → CO + H (water-gas shift) preparations for 2 2 2 the second part to form ammonia. Since the HB process demands high pressures of the experiment and is itself endothermic; this requires lots of energy. The – the application. ammonia is next converted catalytically by the Ostwald process into nitric acid. This stage is exothermic, but energy is needed for pumps, etc. We then need a source of the potassium ion. This most likely requires mining of potassium carbonate (or Declan Finlayson, possibly solution mining of the chloride from ancient geological Vocational School, deposits), all needing energy, followed by further reactions to Borris, Co. form, purify and dry the nitrate. Carlow. Finally the fireworks contain many other metals such as copper, aluminium, iron, barium and lithium to produce colour and sparkle, and all these will increase the general pollution load. So while I might just accept the carbon-neutrality argument in the very narrow sense of the carbon content, I would still say that fireworks are not neutral in any energy sense and are not benign in the environment. But I do love to watch a really good display! Dr Adrian Somerfield, former physics teacher at St Columba’s College, Whitechurch, Dublin
SCIENCE March 2010 27 Musings Ian McCulloch
he Science Quiz in Returning to my more “hands-on” menopause. In order to make Cynthia November and the Young science experiences, the first of these more comfortable on the pillion he was the Dublin Regional round of the bought her a Harley jumper; such is the TScientist Exhibition in Science Quiz. A selection of faces power of the brand that this cost ca €100. January were the only two proper familiar to me, except for Chemistry/ Such is the power of Cynthia that she science events with which I Biology teacher Cecily O’Flynn, whom decided she would prefer a leather jacket engaged since my last missive. I met for the first time, had assembled which set Vince back just another €500. Otherwise, I just came upon behind the Edmund Burke Theatre to Eavesdropping on the conversation do the correcting. Rather than our usual about the jacket was Brian Smyth who science by accident. bunker, Siobhán Scott had moved us was reminded of the following rather to a less claustrophobic location where risqué message he saw on the back of Such is the proliferation of television the noisier among our number wouldn’t the jacket of a less salubrious biker than channels that the chore of perusing the be heard in the auditorium. It was Vince – “If you can read this the bitch schedules to find a decent programme is also brighter for those of us who are has fallen off”. rarely worth the effort, given the quality becoming ever more ocularly challenged. of the majority of the fare. So when I am Joe Ó Braonáin had volunteered to correct. His colleague Richard Fox I, among others, gave Paddy Daly and reduced to turning on “the box”, I flick. Randal Henly a hand with the ISTA During this exercise, I came across, suggested that it was because he hoped that Rory Geoghegan might take a photo stand at the YSE. We sold out all of not just one but two BBC Horizon Randal’s goodies earlier than usual on programmes which I enjoyed. which would see Joe’s image materialise yet again in “Science”. According to the Friday. Also, we seemed to suffer Richard, Joe has egomaniacal tendencies less shrinkage than usual so there must In November, there was “How long is a and was ecstatic with his record number have been a better class of clientele there piece of string?” The main protagonists of appearances in the issue before last! were, not for the first time, Alan Not only did the photos he was expecting Davies and Marcus du Sautoy. As part feature but there was an extra one of him of his quest, Alan Davies called upon at the informal rocket contest in UL. “one of the best physics teachers in Even better, this image was on the cover England”. This lady’s enthusiasm and – nirvana. Subsequently, I was in the expertise were immediately obvious. company of Richard’s wife, Edel. When She reminded me hugely of my former introduced to me, Richard mentioned my colleague, Alison Graham, to such an “Musings”. Edel’s suggestion that every extent that I would venture to suggest magazine needs a bit of light reading that Alison must be “one of the best really cut me to the quick. biology/chemistry teachers in Ireland”. The Quiz Final a couple of weeks later At the beginning of December, there was essentially more of the same though was another “Horizon”, this time the quizmaster (quizmistress?) on this presented by David Attenborough. It occasion, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, addressed “the elephant in the room” was rather easier on the eye than John Paddy, Randal and Yvonne of coping with climate change, i.e. the Daly who had done the honours for rate at which the world’s population is the regional round. On my way in to this year. I spotted Noel Brett chatting increasing. When Attenborough was Trinity I had to use my knowledge of to Murty O’Dowd at a Pasco display on born, the population was two billion the laws of packing objects (are there the balcony. I am informed that Noel is – it is now an incredible seven billion. any?), i.e. push as hard as I could, to get doing some useful physics “outreach” The industrial revolution and the myriad on to the Luas. Such was the cosiness in Cork. For example, he organises that “improvements” which followed are of the situation en route that I struck the equipment for only occasionally responsible. It seems that educated up conversation with the guy in front performed physics experiments/ women can see the “big picture” and of me (his face was a mere two feet demos are made available to schools realise, with little persuasion, the away). This being Ireland a connection which don’t have the wherewithal. I value of contraception. Attenborough was made – to wit, he was a former noticed Siobhán Greer’s name in the suggests that this should be encouraged. pupil in Terenure of Joe Reville, by programme, keeping up her longstanding He is not in favour of the Chinese the name of Paddy Whelan. Having involvement. Also, inevitably I suppose, style sledgehammer approach. The overheard Richard Fox’s comments there was Paul Nugent maintaining Rev. Malthus got a mention for his about his publicity seeking endeavours, his reputation for ubiquity. Almost observations on the balancing act Joe Ó Braonáin was careful to keep opposite the ISTA stand a group of between food production and human a low profile, out of lens shot, just in TY students from reproduction. Attenborough reckons case anyone might think that there Alexandra College we are at a crossroads, not just with was any justification for Richard’s were selling (quite this aspect, of keeping our planet allegations. Cynthia Cellier was one of successfully it functioning. We cannot afford to carry the correctors. Her husband, Vince, is a appeared) a set of on regardless. Harley Davidson enthusiast. He acquired Junior Cert Science a machine to help him through the male Revision Notes. 28 www.ista.ie I mention it because the sister of one of budget allocation required to act on proportional to the radius of curvature. my former pupils was one of the budding the report’s findings and implement This is borne out by it being more entrepreneurs. Even more adjacent to its recommendations. In September difficult to start getting a balloon inflated us was the WIT stand. I maligned this 2009 at the Farmleigh conference, than it is to maintain the process. institution in a previous issue of Science this recommendation was again put when the robot they had on display in the forward as a matter of urgency by the “Science Gallery” had been assembled major employers of science graduates in I leave you with an alternative from a kit. They more than made up for Ireland. application for an IKEA pencil. it on this occasion with this impressive electromechanical mélange which is their very own all-singing, all-dancing 4. The following pair of advertisements fully functioning robot. which appeared side-by-side in the Motors section in January. Who writes this stuff? In September, I was at the 60th birthday The lamp on the left used an imperial party of a fellow, former deputy unit for its luminous intensity. The one principal. Robert subsequently defected on the right is “confused SI” – 12000 to the ranks of the inspectorate. His mcd means 12 candela (which I wouldn’t field is history so it was nice to see the have thought was particularly impressive intellectual level raised by the presence – a few glow-worms would be more of some of his science colleagues, like effective). It suggests this is Lum power, George (and Sheila) Porter, Miriam which I would describe as luminous flux. Horgan and Declan Cahalane. Declan This is, of course, measured in lumens. revealed himself to be something of a masochist when he told me that he was If you feel like attempting a comparison getting full value for his weekend in of the efficacy of the lamps by second the metropolis as he was combining the guessing the copywriters, it might party with his participation in the Liffey help you to have the conversion, 1 Swim. I presume he survived the twin candlepower is approximately equal to The quiz this time requires you to perils of drowning and dysentery. 12.6 lumens, to hand. identify the gentleman (I use the term P.S. Illuminance is measured in lux (lm/ loosely) putting the finishing touches to m²). the ISTA stand at the YSE. When I was delivering my last piece to the editor who resides in Oatlands, I became aware that he has made his mark on the place – the security light is an LED device.
The Irish Times has provided me with four snippets:
1. A letter to the editor: Madam, - I see they’ve found Personally such is the ineptitude methane gas on Mars. Now we know displayed in the ads that I wouldn’t what happened the cow that jumped over consider purchasing either of them – the moon. – Yours, goodness knows what the actual product might be like. 2. In the main editorial, a great example Ian McCulloch formerly taught physics of how not to present numerical Val and I had occasion to be in Union at Sandford Park School, Dublin. information (I hesitate to call them Hall in West Cork. We were entertained statistics): by an incident in the harbour when a When the NTMA was established in teleporter tried to defy the principle of 1990, one in four euro of tax revenue moments. It was attempting to place a was required to service the outstanding pontoon on the far side of a boat tied up national debt. By last year, just four out to the harbour wall. The driver managed of every 100 euro were needed: a figure to jump clear and the teleporter ended up that will rise significantly in future. rather neatly parked (right). What would have been wrong with “one in four” and then “one in twenty five” The answer to last month’s quiz is that or, indeed, “25 out of 100” followed by the outcome is the counter-intuitive “four out of 100”? – Maybe nobody has one below. The “smaller” balloon, the the temerity to proof-read the editor’s greater is its pressure – it is inversely prognostications?
3. An extract from Brian Mooney’s TALK BACK on the Education page in January which pondered what had been done (or not been done) with the revenue generated during the “boom”: How come the 2002 report of the task force on the physical sciences did not lead to the modernisation of school science labs? The Department of Education could never secure the SCIENCE March 2010 29 Support day for lab. technicians
Kay O’Mahony Convenor Laboratory Technician Sub-committee
n the last issue of “Science” the FÁS Work reviewed, reorganisation to be done – often planned but never Placement Programme was highlighted as a gotten around to. Major improvements like this would do wonders for staff morale. If most of you without a technician Ipossible option for schools to explore in order visualise what your preparation and storage areas look like to be able to employ a Laboratory technician now (being honest!) and how you would love them to be or – albeit on a temporary basis. One school was asked indeed maybe how they should be, there is probably a bit of a do a ‘pilot’ application, which was successful, difference! There would most likely be a quicker turnaround opening the door for other schools to do the same. time on equipment, leading to greater efficiencies and better coordination between colleagues. This difference would be The following is a short report from the school visible to all – including management. concerned: One of the difficulties would be liaising with the individual, explaining the tasks required. This will take time on someone’s behalf. Depending on the number of staff in the department Obtaining a Lab Technician through FAS perhaps one person from each subject area would be needed. A Work Placement Programme (WPP) communication framework will be essential in order to provide The WPP allows a graduate to take up a position of work guidance. To avoid friction, all department members would experience while maintaining their unemployment benefit and need to discuss and agree on what duties are to be carried out so it is an ideal opportunity for schools as there is no direct and maybe, even more importantly, what duties the individual cost to the school. The programme was initially a six month would not be asked to do. placement, however has recently been extended to a nine Again, I would remind people to read the guidelines carefully month placement. The employer must provide 39 hours work as to the requirements for the scheme to ensure the school will a week and during the placement, FAS will make two visits to actually qualify. the school. The WPP form is downloadable from the FAS website at Resources http://www.fas.ie/en/Employer/WPP/default.htm There are numerous existing resources that would be useful to individuals starting as technicians in schools, or indeed In filling out the WPP form, the ISTA Policy document on to new members of staff/students. It might be a good idea Laboratory Technicians was used as a guideline as it provides for all schools to gather these on one shelf – sometimes they a clear outline of the roles and responsibilities of a technician end up in different lockers, shelves etc. – or else of course to in a school. have them on computer, preferably one with working internet Once the initial application form was submitted, there was a access. delay of approximately three weeks before the application was confirmed and advertised on the FAS web-site. Examples: In total, there were three applications for the position, all • List of Staff and subjects taught of whom were science graduates, with two of them having • Names of relevant post holders with details postgraduate qualifications. After interview with the principal, • Laboratory timetables/rotas one of the applicants was selected and began on Dec. 1st. • Laboratory rules In the two months since the laboratory technician has • School calendar started working with us, she has completely reorganised the • Subject plans preparation room, has updated the boxed experiments, carried • Text books out a stock-take of chemicals, helps with set-up of experiments and is carrying out trials of the coursework B investigations. • Fire drill details/first aid She also has knowledge of and experience in other areas such • Relevant policies e.g. health and safety , child protection as gel electrophoresis which she is willing to share with staff policy. members. • Health and Safety Manuals Stephanie Holden • Subject guidelines for practical work – e.g. SLSS Intermediate School, Killorglin. resources, Biology Laboratory Manual etc. • Any existing guidelines on current laboratory organisation i.e. what’s where? Benefits and potential difficulties • Purchasing guidelines/order systems I hope the above will encourage other schools to submit • Etc. applications. There are obviously pros and cons to the scheme but in situations where science staff members have no access to technical support whatsoever, I think there are Kay O’Mahony teaches in Presentation Secondary School, obvious advantages. The new nine-month period would cover Tralee, Co. Kerry. most of an academic year. This would enable systems to be
30 www.ista.ie CROSSWORD Randal Henly
Clues Across Clues Down 17. Colourless alkaline fluid from body 1. The tube, in land vertebrates, tissues and organs (5) 1. Temperature and pressure at which connecting the throat and the 19. Reproductive unit of a flowering the three states of matter can co-exist bronchi (7) plant (4) (6,5) 2. Such a gas obeys the gas laws 20. The last lanthanide element (2) 8. Rough or jarring (5) perfectly (5) 22. White tough flexible tissue in 9. The size of the openings admitting 3. Belonging to the sea shore (8) vertebrates (7) light to optical instruments (9) 4. Naturally-occurring metal sulphides 23. Electronic signal that represents the 11. Pressurised container for producing a (7) value of some continuously-varying fine spray of liquid (7) 5. The type of polymer that softens quantity (8) 12. Apparatus with motor-driven mirror when heated (13) 24. Sheds feathers, hair, skin, etc. at to reflect sunlight in a fixed direction 6. Wearing away by the action of periodic intervals (6) (9) weather (7) 25. Smells or odours (6) 13. Abdominal segments of an arthropod 7. Waxy compound found in most 26. Involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by sudden such as a lobster (6) animal tissue, of formula C27H45OH 14. Hardens by heating and slow cooling (11) closure of the glottis (6) (7) 10. The planet with the rings (6) 30. Amorphous form of hydrated silica 18. Insect that travels by air (3) 15. Tailed amphibian of the salamander used in jewellery (4) 19. Willebrord, the Dutch physicist who family (4) 32. Mass of fish eggs (3) studied light (5) 16. The force at one end of a lever (6) 21. Tool for boring holes in timber or in soil (5) 23. Industrial units of pressure (11) 27. Exotic flower with brilliant colours SCIENCE CROSSWORD 17(6) 28. Organic compound containing the —SH group (5) Clues Across 33. Greek letter is the29. symbolSuch an angle for is less that 90˚ (5) 1. Temperature and pressure at transmission factor31. Device (3) for storing electricity (9) which the three states of 34. Hydrogen and methane,33. Greek letter for is the symbol for transmission factor (3) matter can co-exist (6,5) example (5) 34. Hydrogen and methane, for example 8. Rough or jarring (5) 35. Common polymer (5) 9. The size of the openings manufactured from35. Common C2H4 polymer(9) manufactured from C H (9) admitting light to optical 2 4 instruments (9) Clues Down 11. Pressurised container for 1. The tube, in land vertebrates, producing a fine spray of connecting the Prizethroat and the liquid (7) bronchi (7) A prize (any item from the 12. Apparatus with motor-driven ISTA shop) will be given for 2. Such a gas obeysthe firstthe correctgas laws response. that mirror to reflect sunlight in a perfectly (5) is returned to the Editor. fixed direction (9) 3. Belonging to the sea shore (8) 13. Abdominal segments of an The list of shop items may be arthropod such as a lobster 4. Naturally-occurringviewed metalon: sulphides (7) http://www.ista.ie/ (6) publications/index.php 14. Hardens by heating and slow 5. The type of polymer that cooling (7) softens when heated (13) 18. Insect that travels by air (3) 6. Wearing away by the action of weather (7) 19. Willebrord, the Dutch The crossword puzzles published here include non-syllabus material and are aimed at teachers rather than pupils. physicist who studied light (5) 7. Waxy compound found in 20. The last lanthanide element 25. Smells or odours (6) most animal tissue,SCIENCE of Marchformula 2010 (2) 31 21. Tool for boring holes in timber C27H45OH (11) 26. Involuntary contraction of or in soil (5) 22. White tough flexible tissue in the diaphragm followed by 10. The planet with the rings (6) vertebrates (7) sudden closure of the glottis 23. Industrial units of pressure (6) (11) 15. Tailed amphibian of the 23. Electronic signal that salamander family (4) represents the value of some 30. Amorphous form of 27. Exotic flower with brilliant continuously-varying quantity hydrated silica used in colours (6) 16. The force at one end of a lever (6) (8) jewellery (4) 28. Organic compound containing 24. Sheds feathers, hair, skin, etc. 32. Mass of fish eggs (3) the —SH group (5) 17.Colourless alkaline fluid from body tissues and organs (5) at periodic intervals (6) 29. Such an angle is less that 90˚ (5) 19. Reproductive unit of a flowering plant (4) 31. Device for storing electricity (9) Tropical Africa
Paul Holland
ummer 2009, I found myself watching lowland gorillas in the Central African SRepublic. It involved a walk through jungle, across streams and marshes in a region close to a tributary of the Congo. We were rewarded with a glorious hour following the gorillas – they were of every age from baby to silverback. They went about their business – climbing trees, crossing streams (they didn’t seem to like water), feeding, showing off or simply doing nothing. All of this was done in apparent indifference to myself and the people with me. Our guide soon explained that this tameness came at a price. Gorillas are instinctively afraid of people and would normally run away at the sight of them. Prospective guides first had to regularly observe and follow the gorillas in the trackless forest, never spending too long a time near them. Over a long period, the people were accepted as non- predator, non-competitor. Once confidence was gained, the guides attempted population counts, identified families and They live for up to thirty years and associate in disjoint groups their territories, observed behaviour patterns – effectively they that maintain contact by screeching. got to know the gorillas. Rudimentary paths were hacked out We didn’t visit a nearby village where local people have for people to follow, parallel to routes favoured by the gorillas. reservations about tourists. However, we had a half-day with At all times, things were done slowly and carefully – in such a the nomadic pygmies. They live off the forest. Sometimes way that the gorillas did not change their routine or behaviour. they use poison darts for hunting. We saw them string a net The entire process took about eight years; it shows that across the jungle and scare a little blue duiker antelope into conservation and wildlife tourism are not simple procedures. it – I didn’t watch subsequent proceedings but the antelope On the same day, we saw a troop of mangabees. Superficially was skinned, chopped up and distributed within about 5 they resemble baboons but are much smaller and have different minutes. It isn’t an easy life in the damp dark jungle where 40 colours, looking grey in the shade but more brown in sunlight. years is the average life span. Conservation measures mean They swing effortlessly through the canopy and, while we were that restrictions have been placed on their hunting. Today, there, the males were engaged in almost deafening dispute. the biggest threat to conservation and pygmies alike is the presence of oil reserves in the area. A long walk through marsh and forest took us to an observation platform over a watering area on which an estimated 4000 elephants depend. It didn’t take long to spot dominant individuals hogging the best pools. Small numbers of antelope came by but never disputed a point with the elephants. At night time, all we could hear were the frogs. Our trip next took us to the mixed savannah/river/forest Loango Park in Gabon. For me, the best part was the bird life. Elephants, buffalo, pelicans and crocodiles were plentiful. So were tsetse flies – our insect repellent was useless, in fact I wonder if it attracted them! On a shrub, I saw a massive -web spun by a community of spiders – no place to be if you were a fly. Gorillas here are not habituated to people and we didn’t see any. One day, five of us went on a whale-watching trip which involved a hair-raising outward ride over massive waves breaking near the shore. Far out to sea, in gathering darkness, our boat broke down and we had to be rescued by a ship which dropped us at Port Gentil, well off to the north. A premature end to our safari but, even if you are not prepared for the unexpected, it is one of those things you might as well accept.
Paul Holland Presentation College, Galway 32 www.ista.ie
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