Juicing The Creativity Workshop @Pusat Sains Negara

We went happily for the workshop yesterday afternoon at Pusat Sains Negara (National Science Centre) with no knowledge that it had ended by noon. :(  This "big head prawn" mommy had mistaken this one for the other one which she had also registered his son and that the class was in the afternoon. Luckily the officer in-charge, Cik Kimi was so helpful that she took down my mobile number and promised to call early this morning should anyone did not turn up and so she did.  They had the second and last session of the same workshop this morning.  Thank you so much, Cik Kimi!

Never mind that we landed there on a wrong date and time, we nevertheless enjoyed our time there doing colouring while waiting for the 2.30pm science show that we missed the other day.  There were two science experiments being carried out on that day. 

1st Experiment: Chemical reaction -- Add in hydrogen peroxide (acid) in a tall cylinder, add a squirt of dish dishwashing liquid, add a tablespoon of potassium iodide (chemical salt) and stand back.  A foam of oxygen bubbles and soap rises quickly up the cylinder and out the top, like toothpaste squirting out of a tube (see below picture)

2nd Experiment:  Freezes a small balloon filled with water in liquid nitrogen (similar to dry ice block but even lower temperature of -196 degrees Fahrenheit) in less than 30 seconds.  Cold=shrink, hot=expand were also demonstrated where an inflated balloon were placed in a box filled with liquid nitrogen, it shrunk but when it was let free in room temperature, it's back to its normal shape in a mere few seconds. Amazing! At least for me and my boy la..

We arrived at the science centre this morning at 9.35am and had two and a half hours creative and fun time with Mr Nakano, a volunteer from JICA (Japan International  Cooperation Agency) who spoke fluent English.  He announced that he was to share with us something that he learned whilst in Jakarta -- The making of a propeller and a kite.  Here it goes...

   

A propeller made out of a bamboo stick, cardboard, plastic bottles and rubber punched from sandals.

A lucky number was found on the plastic propeller.  Must go and try my luck.. Lady luck seems to start shining on me lately *wink* 

The kite was made mainly from straws for its frames, the propeller from plastic bottle cut outs attached with rubber bands through the hole of the straw to provide power to the kite. 

How to fly:

1. Wind the rubber band by twisting the front propeller. 

2. Hold the kite pointed in the direction you want it to fly and slightly upward. 

3. Hold the propeller in place so the rubber band will not unwind. 

4. Release your kite with a light toss and here you go.. wheeee...

Wheeee... mommy, my "threadless" kite can really fly, no more pulling threads. :)

All participants were presented with an attendance certificate and a group photo together before leaving.  Can you spot Ian in the photo?  He's just next to the right of Mr Nakano with only his head visible. :)

We are looking forward to tomorrow's workshop: Glass Painting.  Stay tuned for the updates.

You might be interested to read other related post entries too. Please click on the link below to read.

http://inspiredmomx1.blogspot.com/2010/12/walking-with-dinosaurs-in-dinos-alive.html

http://inspiredmomx1.blogspot.com/2010/12/dinos-alive-pusat-sains-negara.html

Last but not least, wishing everyone here A Happy Winter Solstice!  I am enjoying a bowl of chilled, soft yet bouncy tong yuen now, made by my mom in-law.  It's the yummiest tong yuen I have ever tasted..

My bowl of chilled tong yuen. Yumz!