Science Week kick started at the Global Indian International School (GIIS), Queenstown Campus with students from Class 7F showcasing their experiments in the school assembly coupled with a sharing session of the new developments in science to curb human diseases such as Huntington’s disease and blood disorders. Science Center, Singapore also set up an exhibition of a portable planetarium.

Chemistry Activities - 13 February

The assembly began with students sharing about science that has no boundaries. Adding on the latest news about the development of a new protein that can alter DNA in living cells with much higher precision than current methods which opens more doors for the development of medicine to curb human diseases which include Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophies, and blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.

This was followed by a live demonstration of 10 chemical experiments which were conducted on stage after presenting the safety rules of the laboratory. The major attractions included, the lighting of fire without a matchstick (potassium permanganate and glycerol), chemical volcano (ammonium dichromate on fire), explosion (using the metal sodium in water), elephant toothpaste (yeast, liquid dish soap and hydrogen peroxide). An experiment to test the functions of chemicals was also carried out, using a currency note which was first lit with a matchstick and then dipped into a mixture of alcohol and water, which resulted in the note not being able to light up.

Science and Creativity - 14 February

GIIS students from IBY1 and CBSE students from classes 7-9 participated eagerly in the Science Exhibition which was held at GIIS Queenstown Campus, Auditorium. There was a huge turnout of participants. The judges who were part of the exhibition were science teachers, Ms. Parmeshwari and Ms. Nithiya who judged each model and rated students on a scale of 0-4 based on their creativity and clarity.

Some of the science exhibits include the Rail Gun and Gauss Gun. The railgun use of the principles of electromagnetism as it launches a small projectile by an electromagnetic current. A gauss gun is a projectile launcher that makes use of ball bearings and neodymium magnets to launch an extremely fast moving projectile.

Smartphone projector - A simple projector was made using a smart phone, magnifying glass and a cardboard. This exhibit was a major attraction for all the students as the darkness required to project the images, which were created using a curtain cloth and tables.

Solar powered ship - the working model exhibited the use of a solar panel which charges a rechargeable battery, This was demonstrated using a water tub and a ship built out of LEGO pieces.

Shive wave machine - an apparatus designed to demonstrate the wave-like motion. This was made using gummy bears, iron clamps and wooden rods, a simple yet creative and colourful method of demonstration.

Automatic box opener - a setup of a recycle bin which had an inbuilt light sensor. The lid closed when there was light. This reinforced hygienic practices as there was no reason to touch the bin at all.

STEM activities - thirty-one Class 7 CBSE students were involved in interactive STEM activities. Some of the activities included Maglev train, dam model, and a litre of light and air filter.

IX Annual GIIS Interschool HIQ Science Quiz - 15 February

Participating Schools included Global Indian International School, Queenstown; Global Indian International School; East Coast and Yuva Bharathi International School, Singapore

Each team from the participating schools consisted of 3 participants from classes 7 to 9. The quiz was based on Science concepts covered previously in class. The teams were assigned to team A, B and C through a draw of lots. There were in total four rounds; mind quest, science in action, visual round, rapid fire round. The audience comprised of Class 8 CBSE, classes 8 and 9 IGCSE followed by emcees who were IBYr1 students.  GIIS Queenstown Campus bagged the Dr. Abdul Kalam rolling trophy for first position and GIIS East Coast Campus were the first runners up. Yuva Bharathi International School were the second runners up.

 Portable Planetarium at GIIS Queenstown Campus - 17 February

Science Centre, Singapore set up a portable planetarium, an inflatable dome with the help of a projector, which demonstrated a simulation of a starry night sky. During the programme students were taken on a tour of the night sky, identifying the key constellations and highlighting some of the ancient histories and semantics behind the naming of stars. Other concepts such as seasons and the Earth's rotation were also introduced. The duration for each group (40 students) was around 45 minutes. Other concepts such as seasons and the Earth's rotation were also showcased at the exhibition.