Reported by:
Wong Bry Yan Sr1ScC
On the 19th of September 2023, selected 40 Kuen Cheng High School students from the Senior Middle One Science Stream were invited to Nottingham University Malaysia for lectures and interactive activities regarding chemical engineering and STEM courses.
As early as 7.40 a.m., two teachers, Mr. Ooi Hun Huang and Ms. Cheah Wing Lam led the students on a bus to Nottingham University Malaysia in Semenyih. Many students could not contain their excitement as this was the first field trip they had in their first year at senior level.
Before the lectures, students were given refreshments provided by the university while waiting for the arrival of students from other schools. Five school groups were present at the university, notably students from the Royal Military College and students from SMJK Yu Hua.
The first lecture about career options began at 9:00 a.m. was presented by Prof. Dominic C.Y. Foo. He introduced the future prospects in the scientific and medical fields, while also talking about his past projects and research. After the career talk, students were given a tour of Nottingham University, which included the research laboratories, equipment and facilities.
After the tour, students were guided back to the auditorium to undergo an experiment on the fermentation of yeast. The goal of the experiment was to inflate a balloon using yeast, water and sugar. In groups of 5, the 3 groups with the largest balloon were given a prize at the end of the lecture.
Yeast Balloon Experiment
The long-awaited Merdeka lecture about chemical engineering started with Prof. Jason Chia. He did a variety of different experiments that were closely linked to combustion, many students were shocked to see the dangerous yet fun experiments laid right in front of them. The most impressive experiment was the “disappearing paper trick”, in which the professor burned a piece of special paper that did not leave any smoke or residue of any kind.
The last bit of the lecture featured a hands-on science experiment called elephant toothpaste which was done previously. Two students from each group were invited onstage to see whoever could execute the experiment the fastest and whoever had the prettiest design of the experiment. In the end, a group from Kuen Cheng High School finished the experiment first whereas another group of students from SMJK Yu Hua had the best design for their experiment. Every student onstage was given prizes to award them for their work and encourage them to work harder in the future. Furthermore, an award ceremony was also done for the yeast balloon experiment done previously.
The lecture ended at 1:00 p.m. and students were provided with free lunch on behalf of the university. Afterwards, a bus transported all the students back to Kuen Cheng High School, just in time for school to end. All in all, the experience was unforgettable for many senior middle one students and certainly expanded their views on science.
Group Photo At Nottingham University