This Scientist Visits a Primary School for the First Time
Posted: March 8, 2012 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment »So today was my first foray into being a Scientist In A School. The school I’ve been partnered with is quite small, and most of the classes are split year groups. I spent roughly 15-20 minutes with 6 of the classes, meeting the teachers and kids and helping them with the activities they were working on. The teachers had all organised a science activity or project to be taking place while I was visiting.
Prep
The preps each planted a seed in a cup, which was then left on the windowsill of the classroom to germinate. Their worksheet entailed drawing a picture of the seed they had just planted, and then drawing what they imagined the seed might grow into. Most of the kids imagined the seed was going to grow into either a flower, or a fruit-bearing plant. I got involved by asking the kids what the seed needed to turn into a plant. They all knew that it needed water, and some knew that it needed sunlight. I also asked them if they thought that plants needed food, and most of them said yes, and suggested things like fruit and chocolate would be good plant foods 
One boy even thought that if he fed the plant chocolate, then it would grow chocolate. Very cute!
Y1/2
The 1/2s went outside and had to draw a picture of at least 2 living things they observed. When returning to the classroom, they grouped the living things first into plants and animals and then further sub-groups. I thought this was quite an advanced activity for this year age, but they all did really well so maybe I underestimated them. One of the girls in this class wanted to hold my hand when we walked back to the classroom which just melted my usually icy heart.
Y2/3
The kids in 2/3 had been learning about states of matter, in particular, gases. Their teacher had arranged an experiment called ‘Dancing Sultanas’.
It tied in really well with the topic they had been studying and is visually appealing for the kids. I think they also get a kick out of using household ingredients in experiments, I think it takes away some of the mystery of chemical reactions – in a good way!
Y3/4
The 3/4s started off their lesson about acids and bases with the teacher relating it to swimming pool maintenance. The teacher covered some common acids and bases, things they might see around their house, and the pH scale. Already they have the idea ingrained into them that acids are ‘bad, dangerous and harmful’ which is a bit of a worry. The teacher may have confused the ideas of weak and strong acids and bases with concentration – either that or he was just trying to keep it simple. After I left the classroom they made up some solutions of teas and tested the pH with indicating paper.
Y4/5 & Y5/6
These 2 classes were working on their research skills by doing a project on a particular branch of science they were interested in. I was surprised at the range and specificity of the subjects the kids had chosen. One of the boys in 4/5 was doing ichthyology, and another solar physics (!). A couple of girls in 5/6 had chosen immunology and toxicology. The teachers had encouraged them to find Australian-centric information, including trying to identify some Australian scientists that worked in their chosen areas. This proved really problematic for them, as most of the information available to them online and in books is Northern Hemisphere-focused. I did manage to point a few kids towards the CSIRO website, where they were able to find some local information and local practising scientists.
I found working with the older kids really rewarding, which I wasn’t expecting. They were really enthusiastic and interested in asking a lot of questions. They also had much better attention spans than the younger kids which makes things a lot easier and less frustrating. I was really amazed at the amount of time that is ‘wasted’ in the lower age groups just getting the kids to focus, sit down, stop talking/playing etc. Although the teachers did have some great methods for getting the kids to focus, cleverly using clapping or rhyming to catch their attention.
I’m really looking forward to going back to the school and spending some quality time doing science with the kids.
New Directions
Posted: March 5, 2012 Filed under: Fun, Science, Scientists in Schools | Tags: CSIRO, Scientists in Schools, World Science Day Leave a comment »It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog, so I’ve decided that it’s time to take things in a new direction.
Over a year ago now, one of my colleagues gave a presentation at work about his volunteer work with CSIRO’s Scientists in Schools program. It’s something I had been interested in for a while, and now that I find myself in a permanent job, with a boss supportive of such endeavours, I decided to sign up on the spot. After much to-ing and fro-ing and several delays, I have now been partnered with a primary school in Melbourne’s inner south eastern suburbs. This week I’ll be making my first visit to the school, on World Science Day.
So my plan is that this blog become a journal of my experiences in the Scientists in Schools program, and a record of any experiments and activities that I might do with the kids. Stay tuned for an update at the end of the week.
Think Inc 2011: My Thoughts and Summary
Posted: September 20, 2011 Filed under: Atheism, Science, Skepticism | Tags: Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Christopher Hitchens, Cristina Rad, Michael Shermer, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Shane Koyczan, Think Inc, Tim Flannery 1 Comment »Sunday, September 18th saw several hundred rationalists, free thinkers, skeptics and atheists attend the inaugural Think Inc conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Morning Session
The first speaker of the day was Australian of the Year and Climate Change Commissioner Tim Flannery. Flannery took the audience on a journey through computer modelling, evolution by natural selection and the ubiquity of society and civilisations amongst species in the animal kingdom.
The content, although interesting, was perhaps not the best way to kick off and get the audience excited about the day and I think it would’ve been better to begin with Cristina Rad.
Rad was a self-deprecating and endearing speaker, and confided in the audience that Think Inc was in fact her first invited speaking engagement. It was her assertion that the reason why it is so taboo to question religion, is that religion is so inexplicably intertwined with culture. While I am not so sure I agree with this, it was an interesting perspective nonetheless and possibly more relevant in Eastern Europe.
For the second half of her talk, Rad focused on the decriminalisation of drugs and prostitution. While this is something I’ve never spent a lot of time thinking about, or have strong feelings for, my guard was up straight away as she started off this section with a leading question, asking the audience to raise their hands if they didn’t think drugs should be illegal. This type of question of course biases the responses, as everyone who is too embarrassed/lazy/apathetic to raise their hand is counted along with those who genuinely have. A minor gripe, I know.
I am aware that anecdotally, the Portugal experiment has been a success and even if this is true, I am not sure about her assertion that if it worked there, why not adopt it in all countries. I think this is a logical fallacy but I am not yet experienced enough in all the logical fallacies to name which one.
Following Cristina Rad was a Skype link up with Ayaan Hirsi Ali in The States. I have huge admiration for Ayaan Hirsi Ali and I when she visitedAustralialast year, touring her book Infidel, I thought she was so amazing and inspiring. However, I felt the ‘3 world futures’ scenario her talk was based was a bit lazy and derivative. The Q&A section was so much better than the talk itself.
I’ll award poet Shane Koyczan the prize for second best one-liner of the day, with the line from one of his poems – ‘Heisenberg says nothing is fo shizzle’. I’ve never seen a poet live before, and I often get teased for not being emotionally affected by ‘the arts’ (I never cry in movies) but I was surprised at how moved I was by some of Koyczan’s performance. It was quite an experience.
Lunch
I was extremely fortunate to win a ticket to Think Inc, and I would like to thank the organisers for this. Possibly down to the fact that I didn’t shell out money for a ticket, I didn’t read the fine print and was completely oblivious to the fact that delegates were expected to buy their own lunch within the MCEC/South Wharf precint. I’m willing to accept that this was my fault and don’t expect any sympathy that it was a pain in the arse, but one of the key things about these types of events is the socialising/networking component and where the experience of shared meals/snack time is taken aqway, socialisng is made that much harder. As someone who went on my own, and didn’t know anyone going, this was an important point for me. Next year organisers, chuck an extra 40 bucks on the ticket price and give the punters a bite to eat.
Afternoon Session
First up after lunch was the speaker I was most looking forward to, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. It was clear from the conversations around me and the number of cameras and recording devices that come out during his talk that I was not the only one. I was really surprised with how funny he was, what a fantastic speaker! His talk focused on the importance of science literacy and numeracy in the general public and examples of specific failures in the media. Tyson also placed a lot of emphasis on his use of twitter as an outreach tool. Tyson consistently used the word ‘data’ in its correct plural form which always gives me a little warm and fuzzy feeling.
Tyson devoted a significant portion of his talk to atheist themed issues, and said that he was throwing us a bone by doing so, and that he usually reluctant to talk about such things. A few minutes into this part I remember thinking, ‘gee, for someone who doesn’t talk about this stuff very much, he’s doing a stellar job’ (pun intended). When Michael Shermer followed, he outed Tyson as a frequent speaker about atheism!
Michael Shermer gave the audience something of a Skepticism 101 type talk. Trained as a psychologist, and on the plug for his new book, he talked about how the brain is evolved to recognize patterns, and how illusions can help us to understand how the brain works. I found it quite funny that he ended his slot with some evangelical style preaching for the cause of skepticism. For Science! For Reason! Praise the Lord!
Christopher Hitchens was scheduled to appear via video link, but did not show up and the organizers are yet to hear from him or his management. This is a shame, and I know everyone hopes he is OK.
The final part of the day was a discussion panel consisting of all the live speakers as well as Father Bob, who I think was scheduled to give his own talk at one point so I’m not sure what happened there. Possibly the best one liner of the day came from Cristina Rad during this time who stated that ‘religion is philosophy’s retarded cousin’. Microphone wranglers amongst the crowd made the mistake of not holding on to the mike several times, allowing questioners to crap on unnecessarily but overall the standard of questioning was high and added a lot of value to the discussions. All in all this was an interesting and varied discussion but it dragged on for too long, extending the day more than half an hour over the scheduled finish time.
So, that’s my wrap up of Think Inc 2011, see you at Think Inc 2012! (As long as the world doesn’t end before then…)
Hip Hop Atheism – ‘Glorious Feeling’ by Joelistics
Posted: June 29, 2011 Filed under: Atheism | Tags: Glorious Feeling, hip hop, Joelistics Leave a comment »I’ve heard this song a few times now on Triple J, and while Hip Hop does not usually feature highly in my musique du jour, I couldn’t ignore the lyrics and catchy hook of Sydney artist Joelistics’ ‘Glorious Feeling’. I couldn’t find the lyrics online, so I’ve transcribed them from the streaming player on his website at http://www.joelistics.com/. I hope doing that doesn’t violate copyright or anything? Anyway, here goes:
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
God gave up on the human race
He said ‘based upon the data that I’ve had to face
You’ve really made a mess of the place that I made for you
Then you turn around and you ask me to save you’
Jews blame the Christians, Christians the Muslims
Atheists admitted they were wrong but right
The pope said ‘well, I guess that’s that’ then
Collectively we all breathed out a sigh
All of the damage that religion had done
Was put into perspective underneath the sun
And god said ‘faith is a beautiful thing
But it’s time for you to take responsibility kids’
‘Cos I don’t know what you’ve been told
But the streets of heaven aren’t lined with gold
You don’t know what you got until it’s gone
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
The human race gave up on god
And said ‘It’s high time that we all got along’
The arguments about who the hell she loved best
Were seen for what they were and laid to rest
And politicians stopped using god as an excuse
To commit the most blatant abuse of power
Loud like ringing in the ears
The sound of the prayers of cheers from the people released
All baptised at the miracle of life
Without the regrets and the guilt and the threats
Sex was celebrated, life was embraced
The basic thing was maintain respect
And I don’t know what you’ve been told
But the streets of heaven aren’t lined with gold
You don’t know what you got until it’s gone
On the streets of the cities of the world you find them
People of all types who climb the horizon
Fresh newborns in the fresh new morning
Lovers in the night who fly and then fall
The march of survivors, designers, tyrants
Besides limousine drivers, colonels, brigadiers, sergeants, privates
The scientists smashing particles together
The junkies, the tradies, the gentlemen, the ladies
The babies, the aged and infirm
The hermits, the perverts, servants and surgeons
The insurgents killing in the name of god
The slow and the steady who are ready for anything
The war and the menacing, and even Centrelink
And the ones who were peddling stories
Of the grace and the glory
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
It’s a glorious feeling
I’m up on my feet again
Also featured on Joelistics’ website is a video about the inspiration behind ‘Glorious Feeling’, and I liked these quotes in particular:
“… it became a somewhat of atheist gospel song, because atheists never seem to get choirs.”
“when you let go of … belief, it can be quite a liberating experience to still have that reverence and that faith and that wonder at the universe but not have it channelled through a series of laws and rules and um, strict mythological ideas about creation”
It’s refreshing to hear a mainstream(ish) song raise these themes, while we are seeing issues related to religion in the news. Chaplains in government schools and the ‘No Religion’ census campaign immediately come to mind. Hip hop has a history of leading the way when it comes to raising awareness of contentious issues through music, so even though it’s not my favourite genre, I am glad that the Aussie hip hop scene is going strong and producing tracks like this.
Naming Laboratory Instruments
Posted: June 8, 2011 Filed under: Chemistry, Fun, Science | Tags: Agilent, GCMS Leave a comment »I have recently been the subject of derision and mockery from my boss and fellow research group members. Here’s why: the 2 newest additions to our GC lab are a couple of lovely Agilent 7890A-5975C GCMSs, just like this one.
There are a few small differences between the two instruments (one has a tray autosampler and the other a carousel, one has CI capability while the other doesn’t), but all in all they are pretty much the same piece of kit. As I’m sure you can imagine, this causes more than a little confusion when we are trying to differentiate between the two. My boss jokingly said that we should give them names, but we quickly realised that this was not such a silly idea. So being the primary user of both instruments, I took it upon myself to do choose the names and affix the labels. After a few days of thinking and tossing up a few possible monikers, I settled upon Marie and Pierre, after the famous Nobel Prize-winning scientists. Although they were not chromatographers, or even analytical chemists, I still felt the names were quite appropriate – distinctive enough to remember and recognisable as the most famous couple in science. So here’s to the names catching on, and the teasing eventually subsiding. Marie and Pierre are here to stay.
I can’t be the first person to do this, has anyone else out there given names to their lab instruments?
When I Was Seventeen…
Posted: March 13, 2011 Filed under: Fun, Science, Skepticism | Tags: GM crops, high school Leave a comment »The following is a piece I wrote for my Year 12 English class. I can’t remember exactly what the assignment was, I’m pretty sure it was either to write a humourous piece, or to write about a contentious issue in the local community. Either way, here it is. It ended up being published in the school newsletter which I was pretty stoked about, even though the majority of my classmates were too dense to get it and teased me about it being ‘boring’. I think it shows that I’ve had an inkling of a skeptical streak for at least 10 years, even though I have only recently become familiar with the label and the ‘skeptic community’.
The future of farming is upon us. As technological advancements in agriculture such as genetically engineered crops become common, it is vital that possible repercussions of this dangerous new technology are understood. Crops are genetically altered by biotechnologists in an attempt to render the plants disease and pest resistant. But what’s to stop these plants interbreeding with the attractive, long stemmed dandelion from outside the paddock to create a crop of powerful, super resistant and sexy killer commando warrior weeds?
Imagine the turmoil when the hybridised monster plants begin to interbreed with all kinds of crops – seducing them with their alluring leaves and voluptuous petals. Fields across the globe will become contaminated with variations of the cross bred devious dandelions. Orchards will be overrun with troops of terrifying tracheophytes that do not hesitate to invade meadows without warning. These horrifying mutated crops will see the end of vegetarianism. Humans will be forced to live entirely on animals, as there is no way these super plants are going to five themselves up for human fodder. Only the sick and old are left behind to be salvaged for salads.
As the situation worsens, the plants gain more power. What were once peaceful pastures are not colonies of super crops with resistance to not only pests and diseases, but also bullets, grenades, nuclear weapons and everything that humans can possibly think of to eradicate them. The plants are taking over. Homo sapiens are no longer the dominant species at the top of the food chain. They hide in their homes living in fear of dangerous dandelions that could break down the door at any moment. The super crops begin to farm humans – changing their genetic makeup to replace their feet with roots.
Once the only purpose for human life is as a food source for the carnivorous mutant plants, acres of farmland across the globe are planted with root-footed humans. The world’s leaders become sunflowers and entire countries are run by genetically modified soybeans. By now the situation is beyond control and the efforts of the CIA, SAS and TRG combined have no effect upon the dynamic rule of the plants.
It has now gone beyond just vegetables fighting on the dinner table or your salads changing the channel when The Naked Chef is on. Genetically modified crops could become out of control and their use must be halted immediately. The consequences could be drastic.
George Hrab Hits Melbourne with Styrofoam
Posted: December 20, 2010 Filed under: Fun, Skepticism | Tags: Clyde Hotel, George Hrab, styrofoam, TAMOz Leave a comment »On Tuesday November 30th, George Hrab, of the Geologic Podcast and Philadelphia Funk Authority played the Melbourne leg of his Styrofoam tour at the Clyde Hotel in Carlton. I arrived a few minutes after the show was due to start as a result of an extended attempt to find a parking spot (I am not that familiar with the inner North), grabbed myself a soft drink from the bar and got settled seconds before Geo began his performance.
I have listened back to the recording of ‘Far’ a few times now and each time I found myself grinning a dopey dorkfaced grin of reminiscence. Like a puppy looking at a picture of a puppy having puppies… or something.
The overwhelming feeling I got from George’s performance was that he was really enjoying being there and performing in front of the enthusiastic audience. In addition to singing a bunch of his songs, accompanied by acoustic guitar, there was also an ‘Ask George (woof!)’ session, some spoken word and a totally cool iPhone beatbox thingo (you had to be there for that one).
I came away from the night with an ‘I heart Hrab’ badge, and a signed copy of the tour poster. I chose the one on which George had written ‘FIZ!’, which kind of appealed to the chemist in me for some reason…
It was great to see that a free, fan-organised gig could go off so fabulously well. I must extend heartfelt thanks to George, for making the trip down to Melbourne, and all those who helped to organise the event, in particular Catherine Donaldson and the Young Australian Skeptics.
More Science Baking Adventures
Posted: December 16, 2010 Filed under: Chemistry, Fun, Science | Tags: atom, birthday, biscuits, cookies, erlenmeyer, magnets, periodic table, pi, solution, ThinkGeek Leave a comment »It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago (for those playing along at home, my age is the only number between a square and a cube*) and as my birthday gift from Other Half, I requested these laboratory cookie cutters.
Knowing that I heart all things ThinkGeek, (and probably also to make the international shipping costs more worth it) he also got me ‘The Solution’ t-shirt, a pi ice cube tray (I already have that shirt!) and periodic table fridge magnets. To be honest, I am a little disappointed with the magnets, the whole sheet is only A4 size so they’re really small.
Anyway, getting back to the point of the post which was science biscuits… I made a bunch and decorated them with green, blue (the most science-y colours!) and white royal icing and you can see the results below. I was pretty damn pleased with how they turned out too. I used the recipe that came with the cutters which was a really nice vanilla sugar cookie recipe. It could be easily modified for other flavours and I will probably use it again.
I’m planning on using them again, this time to make gingerbread shapes to give to my colleagues for Christmas. Being fellow chemistry nerds (although not quite as nerdy as I), I’m sure they will appreciate them.
*That’s 26, 52 = 25 and 33 = 27
I am not a nerd and I don’t wear a white coat (often)
Posted: October 26, 2010 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment »So, I’m kind of in the market for a new job at the moment. I really like my current job, and the people I work with, and they would like me to stay but nevertheless I have been told they may not be able to keep me on. The situation could change, who knows – but either way, I am scouring Seek for new opportunities.
Which is how I came across following advertisement:
(click to embiggen when the link expires)
I don’t think I’m being overly sensitive in saying I find this incredibly offensive. The ‘white coat’ stereotype is such a cliché and for the most part, totally inaccurate. Anyone qualified for this position (chemistry degree minimum) is fully aware of what scientists aka ‘nerds in white coats’ really do. They have been doing it themselves for at least 3 years.
I think most people in scientific recruitment these days have science degrees. Are they really that smug about their pointless cushy office jobs that they have to refer to the people who they did their degree with who were actually intelligent enough to build themselves a useful career as ‘nerds in white coats’? Really? Or were they just trying to be funny? Because I don’t get the joke. I don’t even know any working scientists who routinely wear a lab coat. Hey, maybe some people become scientists because they LIKE SCIENCE, and couldn’t care less about the novated BMWs, cheap suits and limp handshakes favoured by slimy recruitment consultants.
Screw you Conquest Personnel, and whichever company you’re representing. No chemistry graduate with any self-respect would apply for your ‘nerd in white coat’ position. What a joke, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
You Can Own The Periodic Table!
Posted: October 15, 2010 Filed under: Chemistry, Fun | Tags: IYC2011, periodic table, RACI 1 Comment »Well, kinda…
To promote next year’s International Year of Chemistry, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute are auctioning off the elements in the periodic table. I’m not sure I completely understand what the benefit for sponsors is. From what I can gather, it appears that organisations or individuals are paying for the privilege of having to research and prepare a small report on the element they sponsor. The description of the project is extremely vague, and gives little insight as to why any person or company would want to sponsor an element. I’ll be really surprised if the RACI manage to sell even 10% of all 112 elements before the auctions close at lunchtime tomorrow. Here’s hoping the other offerings for IYC are a little more realistic – I’ve put my hand up to volunteer, so I hope the events aren’t lame!
EDIT
I have just read the RACI October newsletter, which contains more information on the project.
PERIODIC TABLE MEETS ART PROJECT
An important component of IYC2011 is communicating with the public and raising awareness of the positive contributions chemical sciences make to everyday life.
IYC2011 also aims to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the
International Association of Chemical Sciences (the precursor to IUPAC).
As part of its 2011 International Year of Chemistry celebrations, RACI is undertaking a Periodic Table Meets Art project and wishes to invite members to participate. The basic premise of the project is that individuals and organisations are invited to sponsor an element, the sponsors are asked to prepare the following information:
- Element name, symbol and atomic number
- Brief outline of its discovery
- How it exists in nature
- Its main uses
- Any Australasian points of interest
This will then be given to an artist who will produce a creative design based on the information. The designs will be shown in the exhibition tour and on the IYC2011 RACI website.
There will be a limited edition print run for each element with the first print being given to the sponsor. At least two full Periodic Tables will be assembled for permanent display once the tour is complete.
THE AIMS OF THE PROJECT:
- To deliver an engaging exhibition that brings chemistry, art and history together.
- To take the single most important chemical resource to the public by exhibiting artists’ interpretations of the Periodic Table elements.
- To develop an online educational resource for students and teachers.
- To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Sciences through exhibiting the 2010 IUPAC Periodic Table.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
The sponsor packs for all 112 elements will be auctioned on e-Bay, with a reserve of
AU$60 and the auction will be open from 11th October 2010.
The auction will have a “Buy Now” option for those who really don’t want to miss out on their favourite element!
You’ll need to visit the site to find out the price. Use “RACI Element Sponsor Pack” as your search term.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to participate in the auction, visit www.raci.org.au for a sponsorship form to indicate that you are willing to sponsor any element that was not sold in the auction. This will still incur a AU$60 sponsorship fee.
Sponsors must be willing to prepare information on the element for the artist as described above by the 5th November 2010 deadline.
In return for sponsorship, the sponsor will receive the first print of their element (15cm x 15 cm unframed) and information on the artist.
The project will be completed for National Science Week 2011 (13th -21st August 2011) with sponsors prints available from July.
For further information contact Vicki Gardiner: vicki.gardiner@marinova.com.au
Sorry RACI, I love the elements more than most but I can’t say I’m all that compelled to sponsor an element at $60 a pop…
