Check out the updates below to find out what students and staff have been up to in the science department! ![]() Students Participate in Pre-College Fair at Conference for Black EngineersFifteen of our top math and science students went to the Philadelphia convention center to participation in the 2012 BEYA conference. In addition to a college and career fair where students learned about hi-tech jobs and the paths to get there, they also participated in two breakout sessions to explore an area of STEM in greater depth. First, students learned about information technology and security from a technology security specialist at the CIA. Then, they learned about how companies are creating and using custom-made video games designed to train air craft carrier staffers on all aspects of operating the ship.Here are some of the students learning about robots used by the army to detect and disarm IEDs (improvised explosive devices): Students Present Research Findings at PJAS Region 1C Competition at Bensalem High School
Congratulations to the students to participated in the fair. Chief Pathologist at Penn Speaks about Study of DiseasesOn Thursday, February 23, Boy’s Latin was honored to have Dr. David Roth, chair of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, as part of the monthly Science Speaker Series. Dr. Roth presented to Ms. Galib’s 7th period class and other select students from other grades and classes.Dr. Roth gave an inspirational talk about the history of pathology, as well as how to prepare for a career in pathology. Pathology is the study of disease. He also dispelled the myth that pathologists are anti-social by underscoring the fact that often times pathologists will look at specimens through a 20-person microscope.Dr. Roth studied biochemistry as an undergraduate at Rice University and went on to earn both his MD and PhD degrees at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Roth has worked in labs at Baylor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NYU School of Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania. Boys’ Latin thanks Dr. Roth for taking the time to speak to us!Students who are interested in attending the monthly speaker series should contact a science teacher. Seniors in Physics Design Roller CoastersThe purpose of this project is to explore the principles involved with energy. Already, students have explored 2 types of energy - potential and kinetic - and have learned about how energy transfers between the two. Now, they'll be using those principles to predict the speed of their roller coasters at various points along their tracks and discover new forms of energy. They'll use this knowledge along with findings from experiments they conduct on their own to improve their roller coasters' design and make them as exciting and as possible. Look forward to viewing the finished products in March. Energy Management Specialist for the City of Philadelphia Speaks to Ms. Galib's Bio/Chem Students
On Saturday, February 4, the Boys' Latin robotics team, Deus ex Machina, competed in a local qualifying tournament at West Philadelphia High School. The top 7 teams, along with the team who won the Engineering Notebook award, would go to the State Championship to qualify for Nationals in St. Louis. There were 18 different teams involved in the qualifier, and the competition was fierce.Deus Ex Machina made a great run at the competition coming in 13th place, scoring almost 200 points altogether in competition. This was a great achievement, seeing that the team never competed with the robot before, and beating 6 other teams was great. Three members from the team also went to the judges room, where they were interviewed by three judges about the team and their journey throughout the year. The team had a chance to present themselves, as well as the Engineering Notebook to the judges.FIRST Tech Challenge is designed for students who want to compete head to head. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot is programmed using a variety of languages that students can learn. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments. This video shows this year's challenge.The team had a lot of experiences with other teams, as well as gained a lot of knowledge towards coming to competitions, and planning robot design for the team next year.Ms. DeChant Participates in NSTA Fellows ProgramAs a New Science Teacher Academy Fellow with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Ms. DeChant is conducting a year-long professional development program designed specifically for science teachers. She learns about strategies and techniques for teaching science, collaborates with a community of veteran and new science teachers to build knowledge and skills, and worksclosely with a 20+ year veteran teacher of physics for targeted guidance on a number of teaching issues. In March, she will participate in the annual NSTA conference where she will attend talks and further collaborate with other science teachers to hone her practice. Bio/Chem Honors Students Propose Nanobot Designs to Address Greenhouse Gases |
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