Visit to Singapore Science Centre (4 August 2011)

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The trip to the Science Centre on 4 Aug 11 was very enlightening.

When we arrived at the Science Centre, we went up to the top level of the main hall. Looking out, we could see everything below. It was a most amazing sight!

We spent the afternoon near the Observatory making bottle-rockets. In a big room, our instructor gave a demonstration. He fired a bottle using compressed air provided by a hand pump. When he released the valve, the bottle immediately shot to the other end of the room.

In another demonstration, he fired teddy bears from a cannon, which was powered using deodorant. The soft toys literally exploded out of the cannon, accompanied by a loud bang and burst of flame.

Our instructor also taught us some basic principles of aerodynamics. We were then split into various groups to design and build our own bottle-rockets. Everyone spent the next 45 minutes busily attaching weights to their plastic bottles, cutting papers to taping fins and attaching nosecones to the bottles. Each group also gave their bottle-rockets fanciful names, such as “Flying Pig” and “Safety First”.

The moment of truth has arrived! Our rockets were launched by various means, such as air pressure and water, from a purpose-built stand.

When the first group’s bottle-rocket was fired, it blasted skywards with a great explosion of water, and landed some 200 paces away on the top of the building. Everyone cheered loudly! The other groups excitedly took their turns to launch their bottle-rockets. Amidst much hope and laughter, each group saw their bottle-rockets achieving different results.

All in all, all of us had a great time that afternoon, despite the fact that it was drizzling!

By Ryan Lee (Secondary 2 Joy)