Science just got super powered! From Jedi Light sabres to cosmic rays, the Esplora Interactive Science Centre was boosted with scientific energy where Superhero, Star Wars fans and science whizkids, were awarded prizes in the second edition of the Superheroes in Science project contest on Sunday, 1 December during the Superheroes & Star Wars in Science event.
The Superheroes in Science project's aim is to promote Stem among students between the ages of eight and 14 through the universe of Superheroes and Star Wars. This year's edition supported by Air Malta, Virtu Ferries, Toyland and Agenda Bookshop brought together students from different schools to share their creative ideas and their love for science and fiction. Students had the opportunity to create Star Wars Science projects which was the latest addition to the Superheroes in Science project 2019 edition due to the increasing popularity of the saga with the younger generation. There were three winning science projects this year.
Sarah Pace and Emma Aquilina from San Anton School created a science project entitled Investigating the strength of Thor's hammer. The winning project was a very original idea that designed an experiment to find which metal would be most suited for Thor's famous hammer. Using the physics formulae to find density, the students measured the impression left by different metals in a base of clay to determine the deepest imprint and hence, the densest metal. The students also calculated the impact velocity using the same metals as they were dropped onto a base of plaster. This innovative approach at revealing the secrets of the power and strength of this mythical hammer proved to be very effective and fascinating.
The winner from St Theresa College, Birkirkara Primary was Jimmy Jay Chev Welsh. His project titled, Baking Soda Volcano simulated of a volcanic lava flow, comparing to D.C Comic's Volcana, one of superman's villains. Jimmy Jay created an impressive volcano model and explained the perils and pitfalls of a volcanic eruption. The experiment he designed utilised the chemical reaction of coloured vinegar injected into baking soda. This produced a coloured froth-like effect emulating lava flowing out of an impressive looking volcano model that would not be out of place in a Jurassic World setting. Jimmy Jay's volcano came alive when he demonstrated it to the delight of all those present showing how exciting superhero science experiments can be.
Weather Wonders was a winning project submitted by Amy Chircop, Kailey Mallia and Lara Giordmaina from St Ignatius College, Qormi San Gorg Primary School. These three girls astonished everyone present with their well-presented project and even came in customised t-shirts and cue cards! The team researched the weather formations combining them with three superheroines - D.C comics' Sarah Rainmaker, Marvel Comic's X-Woman Storm and D.C.'s Justice League member, Red Tornado (Ma Hunkel) chosen for their super abilities to control weather. Each student focused on cloud formation, lightning and tornadoes as natural phenomena, presenting three experiments to simulate these weather effects.
Equipped with a glass jar, warm water and ice cubes, together with an aerosol spray, the students created clouds as warm water condensed on ice cubes, forming clouds and demonstrating the water cycle in a simple manner. This was compared to Storm the X-woman's ability to control weather. The students also showed the effects of the precipitation of rain using coloured water and cotton balls, in contrast with Sarah Rainmaker's powers; and finally formed the vortex that powers tornadoes using plastic bottles, water and glitter. This was a clever demonstration to emulate the powers of Red Tornado who creates vortices with her bare hands.
Each of the student's project was unique in their super-power themed presentation, content and approach to the scientific aspect of their chosen subject matter. During the presentations the students showed a lot of enthusiasm by giving demonstrations of how their projects work and answering all questions from the public. The Superheroes in Science project team is inviting Year 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 students, with a keen interest in Superheroes and Science, to submit Science projects as part of the Superheroes in Science Project 2020. In this competition students can connect their knowledge of science, for example animals, insects and plants with the world of superheroes, supervillains, Star Wars or create their very own science hero and win marvellous prizes. Each participant will receive a participation certificate to hang in their class or room. Submitted projects can be in the form of an experiment, a model or a visual presentation for example a comic-styled information chart, accompanied by a project report. Students can participate individually or as a team of a maximum of three students. Each individual or team can represent either the school or an NGO (such as scouts, girl guides, clubs, etc.). Participation is free and on a voluntary basis.
Further information related to the 2020 project and guidelines for teachers and parents, is available at http://superheroscience.info/