As IB philosophy had pointed out, creativity and innovation will be two of the most important elements that prepare students for future challenges. As an IB continuum school, Boston International School always lay great emphasis on students’ scientific and technological studies in order to develop their abilities to adapt the constantly changing world.
As part of the IB program students have to do investigations in science. Students should have a clear and focused research question, use scientific techniques to collect data, analyze the data, and write a conclusion that supports the research question. The students should show independent thinking in the design, implementation or presentation of the investigation.
IB Science covers a large area of subjects like biology, chemistry, design technology, physics, computer science, sports, exercise and health science. Science Fair in May 17 was exactly an essential opportunity for all our MYP students and part of our PYP students to display their creative minds with their scientific projects. Let’s take a look together!
01 Chemistry
● Excellent Example: Biofuels Made from Used Vegetable
It is globally acknowledged that the earth is now facing a limited storage of fossil fuel while human is still increasingly consuming fossil fuel. One of our MYP students is trying to find a substitute for gasoline by turning used vegetable oil into biofuels?
He first filtered the oil to remove any black particles and other solids. Then he added sodium hydroxide mixed with methanol. The mixture was shaken for 20 minutes. It was allowed to settle. The upper liquid was poured into a bottle and water was added. It was shaken and repeated the washing another 4 times. The fuel was tested by burning it.
● Other Examples Liquid lamps
How the carbon dioxide form?
02 Physics
● Excellent Example: How Do Human Survive on Mars?
Exploring the outer space and find a now home is always one of the common dreams of the entire humanity. But how do we survive on other planets? One of our MYP students give her research.
In space radiation is primarily ionizing radiation and unlike Conduction and Convection, which cause energy loss, it uses electromagnetic waves for heat transfer. Thus, Radiation would be our main energy source on Mars.
To accept to a highly radiational environment on Mars, human may also need DNA editing.
● Other Examples
Buoyancy study
Studying on magnets
03 Biology
Do plants have feelings?
Study in sugar that exists in all kinds of food
04 Health Science
A simulated lung
05 Design Technology
Self-made boat
Self-made tank
A self-made projector by PYP students
Still a lot of outstanding projects with students’ deep insight in science and technology. Their concerns on earth and environment are also highly evaluated by the audience. BIS is proud of its Science subjects and some of our graduates this year are accepted into science-related majors of world top universities like University College London (2019 QS #10), Carnegie Mellon University (2019 US News Ranking #10), Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.