Science Exhibits Attract Attention At Display

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29377, 2 December 1960, Page 2

Science Exhibits Attract Attention At Display

A white rat called Henry watched over his dissected companion in the biology room at Christchurch Girls’ High School last evening. He was part of the display of work set out for Parents’ Day. Flashes of brilliant colour came from the physics room —a demonstration of gas discharge tubes. Suspended across the ceiling of the physics room was a model of the solar system, showing the relatives sizes of the planets and their distance from the sun. Ppsms and electric bells were other interesting exhibits. A bracelet belonging to one of the demonstrators was being copper plated. In the chemistry laboratory, liquid carbon dioxide was being boiled on ice, and eggs were being cooked in liquid air. Common salt and acetic acid were being made, and their uses described. The migration of ions towards electrodes made a bright striped effect in the liquid in the apparatus. A visitors’ book could be signed in invisible ink—concentrated sulphuric acid. Spectacular miniature volcanoes were made with ammonium dichromate. A ‘‘meccanograph.” a novel machine for making intricate geometrical designs was a feature of the display in the mathematics room. It had been made by one of the mathematics teachers Red Indians, butterflies, and many graceful patterns were produced with great speed and precision. No “Squares” Around the walls were quaint posters relating mathematics tc other subjects. “Mathematics is useful in all walks of life,” said one poster. The illustration showed a couple who were obviously not "squares.” A relief model of a glaciated mountain region was the centrepiece of the geography exhibit. The use of a tracing table was being demonstrated. The emphasis in the social studies dis-

play was on Africa, with particular reference to the emergence of Nigeria to full nationhood. Customs of the world, and costumes through the ages, were other projects which have formed the basis of class work during the year. Projects on the life and manners of other countries were also seen in the French and German and Latin rooms, illustrating the full background that is given to the study of each language. Dark Room Hobbies in the school were illustrated by the camera club exhibit—a fully equipped darkroom, in which members of .the club were describing the processing of their-prints. Clay and plaster modelling, and stone carving were features of the art display. The products of two potters’ wheels were several attractive dishes. Other crafts included basketware, screen printing, and gay rope sandals.