The Year 8 Science Fair at Durston House School is always a highlight of the academic calendar, showcasing the boundless curiosity and ingenuity of our young scientists. This year’s fair was no exception, featuring a diverse array of projects that delved into fascinating questions and conducted intriguing experiments.
A Burst of Color and Chemistry
One of the most visually striking projects was “How does the size of the nozzle affect the height of elephant toothpaste?” This project captivated the audience with its dramatic chemical reactions. Using hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and dish soap, the students demonstrated how varying the nozzle size changed the height of the foam eruption, providing insights into the dynamics of chemical reactions and pressure. Their meticulous approach and clear explanations made this an unforgettable experiment.
The Invisible World of Bacteria
Another project that drew significant attention was “Testing bacteria around different parts of the school.” Armed with Petri dishes and swabs, the students sampled various locations, from classroom desks to the canteen. Their findings revealed some surprising hotspots for bacterial growth and underscored the importance of hygiene. This project not only highlighted key microbiological concepts.
The Symphony of Memory
“Does music affect short-term memory?” was a project that resonated with many attendees. The students designed memory tests to be taken both in silence and while listening to different genres of music. Their data suggested that some types of music, particularly those with complex structures or lyrics, could impede memory recall, while instrumental or classical music had a neutral or even positive effect. This investigation into cognitive psychology provided food for thought on how we can optimise our study environments.
Sweet Reactions
“Does chocolate affect your reaction time?” brought an element of fun to the fair, exploring the connection between our favourite treats and cognitive performance. Pupils were given chocolate before taking reaction time tests, with results compared to their performance without chocolate. The findings indicated a slight improvement in reaction times post-chocolate consumption, sparking conversations about the effects of sugar and stimulants on the brain. This project perfectly combined scientific rigor with an enjoyable subject matter.
The Color of Taste
In “How does the colour of food affect our taste?” pupils investigated the psychological aspects of taste perception. By colouring foods with tasteless dyes and asking participants to describe the flavours, they discovered that colour can significantly influence our taste expectations and experiences. For example, a lemon-flavored drink coloured red was often described as tasting like berries. This project highlighted the fascinating interplay between our senses and the brain.
Noise and Concentration
Lastly, “How does background noise/music affect your concentration?” explored an issue relevant to many pupils. Using concentration tests administered in quiet settings versus noisy environments, the pupils found that consistent background noise, such as white noise, could enhance focus, while erratic sounds or loud music were distracting. This study provided practical insights for creating conducive learning environments.
Celebrating Young Scientists
The Year 8 Science Fair at Durston House School was a remarkable showcase of young talent and scientific inquiry. Each project demonstrated not only the pupils’ understanding of scientific principles but also their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. The fair fostered a spirit of curiosity and encouraged pupils across different year groups to explore the world around them through the lens of science. As teachers, and fellow pupils wandered through the Science Fair, it was clear that the future of science is in capable and enthusiastic hands.
Miss Togher – Marketing Manager
