University of Otago PhD chemistry student John Cubanski's
flame-covered hand ignites a balloon filled with hydrogen
at the Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy
this week.
Jessica Jensen expected an explosive week at the Otago
University Advanced School Sciences Academy and, after plunging
her hand in alcohol, she got what she expected.
The Motueka High School pupil giggled nervously before she
dipped her hand in water and then in acetone, and waved it
beneath a flame held by professional practice fellow Dave
Warren.
Her hand aflame - Dr Warren explained the water would
evaporate to take the heat away - she pushed at the
hydrogen-filled balloon floating between her and those
attending the academy.
She jumped when the balloon exploded into a short, loud,
burst of flame.
"I'm all about good safe fun, the do-it-yourself-at-home
stuff," she joked, before an only half-joking Dr Warren
reminded the laughing participants there was no way they
should do the same thing at home.
Jessica was one of 53 school pupils selected from about 80
New Zealand schools to attend the university's first Advanced
School Sciences Academy.
Motueka High School pupil Jessica Jensen (17) ignites a
hydrogen-filled balloon. Photo by Craig Baxter.
The Education Ministry-funded residential science camp
pilot is held over a week in January and in mid-July.
It aims to ensure talented pupils from smaller or less
well-resourced schools, or learning by correspondence, have
access to the sort of resources enjoyed by larger schools.
Academy director Steve Broni said the pupils were encouraged
to experience a range of science and related disciplines
under the guidance of university staff and PhD students.
They would also stay in touch with each other and with the
academy through an innovative online science network, Mr
Broni said.
Many of the pupils would probably turn the experience into
further science education, but it was enough that it helped
them make the most of their final NCEA year.
"It's not a recruitment thing for the university, though some
might want to go on to further study.
"If it helps this great bunch of pupils to be informed, in a
world where we need more people to be more informed about
science, then I'll be very happy."
Before reviewing the iPod footage of her fun with flame,
Jessica said she was determined to turn her growing knowledge
of science into studying health science at Otago.
"It's been really full-on - it just shows how much fun you
can have with science."
- stu.oldham@odt.co.nz
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