This week we exercised our curiosity by dismantling a printer, kettle and VHS tape in order to find out what was inside. The boys were under strict instructions that the items could only be disassembled – no forcing, cracking or smashing! In the end they had a pile of components to contemplate new inventions. Is this where the flux capacitor started?
Intellectual Curiosity Returns
Intellectual Curiosity Club returns this week to its new time slot of Wednesday at 1.10pm.
This week we have some interesting items to to dismantle as we ask the question… How does that work?
Rocks and Fossils
Today the boys were presented with a collection of rocks, fossils and mysterious objects. Armed only with a few reference books, information cards, a search engine and a bit of curiosity; the boys were given only one instruction… “Have a look!”
What followed was a process of sorting, organising, grouping and dating; with a bit of awe and wonder thrown in.
The Chronology of big ideas
This week we were thinking about the chronology of big ideas. Having been presented with some important equations that marked significant moments in history, the boys had to place them in the correct chronological order. Once this had been achieved there was an exploration into their meaning and significance. Ramez and Zach both gave mini-talks on the theoretical possibility, or impossibility, of the ‘multi-verse’ theories.
Getting into some serious calculations
Today in Intellectual Curiosity we continued with our plan to send Mr Leighton to the moon. Some boys looked for application forms for NASA, some thought about using fireworks and considered the number required, while others tried a more theoretical approach – looking at escape velocity, Mr L’s weight (!), distances, speed, and concentrated on devising some extra-ordinary equations.
What is a Black Hole?
This week we have begun a research project into ‘black holes’ by having a look at the ‘Hubble Site’. We have been trying to improve our language skills so that we can be more precise in our description of a ‘Black hole’. Next week we will be exploring time and distance and including the concept of a ‘light-year’.
Next Week: Black Holes?
Next week we will be investigating ‘Black Holes’ in the ICT Suite.
The Three Dictionary Tower Challenge
Today the boys were set the challenge of creating the highest tower that would support the weight of three dictionaries, using only paper, sticky tape and staples.
The boys devised a number of ingenious strategies and soon began to work out how to create strength in shapes. Using circles, triangles and rectangles the boys made some impressive towers…
Next Week ‘Engineering Challenge’
Newt week the boys will face the ‘Three Dictionary Tower Challenge’
Week 1 ‘What is a marshmallow?”
Today we looked at marshmallows – and tried to think about how we could consider them on different levels…
What were the ingredients? Are there really boiled-up animal bones?
How do they make us feel? What memories and feelings do they bring up?
What is the chemistry that takes place when we roast and eat them?
What happens when we put them on our tongue?
Is the marshmallow a metaphor for something bigger?
We then had the very important tasting session!!
Birkdale Prep Intellectual Curiosity 