STMARKS NEWSLETTER 17 (30 JUNE 2023)

SECONDARY LABORATORY ACTIVITIES AT MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Our secondary students visit the Biomedical Department of Mahidol University every Friday to participate in hands-on educational laboratory workshops at the university. 

During this second visit, students delved into the fascinating world of making colours and scents extracted from plants and adding them to glycerin to make soap. 

Students engaged in grinding pandan leaves, butterfly pea flowers, and rose petals and used laboratory equipment to extract the colours and scents from these plants.  They learned the process of making soap and observed the transformation of raw ingredients into a luxurious and useful product through a series of laboratory processes.

The laboratory experience enabled the students to understand the intricate science behind saponification. They studied the role of different variables such as temperature, concentration, and the type of fat or oil used in the process. By manipulating these factors, they were able to observe how they affected the properties of the final soap product, such as its texture, fragrance, and lathering ability.

From this laboratory workshop, students start to appreciate the importance of chemistry and biology in manufacturing processes and are able to link what they learn in class to real-life applications.

TASTY TALENTS: EARLY YEARS STUDENT DELIGHTS WITH HOMEMADE FRIED BANANA ROLLS!

Our budding chefs have embarked on a culinary adventure, exploring the delicious world of fried banana rolls. In the past week, our little culinary stars showcased their kitchen skills as they crafted these mouthwatering treats. With wide smiles and nimble fingers, they peeled, rolled, and fried their way to crispy perfection.

Through this delightful activity, our Early Years students have not only discovered the joy of cooking but also enhanced their fine motor skills, creativity, and teamwork. The process of making fried banana rolls has ignited their curiosity and provided a hands-on learning experience that they will cherish.

As you can imagine, the aroma of sizzling bananas filled the air, enticing everyone's taste buds. We were thrilled to witness the students' pride as they presented their culinary creations, each unique in its own way.

This fun-filled activity not only nurtured their budding culinary talents but also instilled in them a sense of accomplishment and encouraged them to explore new flavors and textures.

EARLY YEARS SCIENCE: ERUPTING VOLCANOES AND FIERY DISCOVERIES!

Here are the latest highlights from our Early Years Science class, where your little scientists have been exploring the exciting world of volcanoes! Through hands-on experiments and creative play, our students have been engaged in a thrilling adventure, learning about chemical reactions and creating their very own volcanoes. Let's dive into the wonderful discoveries and eruptions that have taken place!

Our budding scientists became volcanologists as they embarked on the mission of building their own volcanoes. With a combination of paper-mâché, clay, and creativity, each child designed and constructed their unique volcanic masterpiece. This process allowed them to exercise their fine motor skills and artistic abilities while gaining a deeper understanding of volcano structure.

To simulate an erupting volcano, our young learners explored the chemical reaction between vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base). They carefully measured and mixed the ingredients, eagerly anticipating the magical eruption that was about to take place. The moment they poured the vinegar into their volcanoes filled with baking soda, gas bubbles were released, resulting in a fantastic eruption!

PRIMARY MATHS: AREA AND PERIMETER - MINIATURE HOUSES

Our Primary students have been engaged in an innovative project that combines practical application with core mathematical concepts. They have embarked on a fascinating journey of building miniature houses using their understanding of area and perimeter.

The students have been busy putting their knowledge into action. They began by learning about the concepts of area and perimeter, exploring how these measurements play a crucial role in real-world scenarios, such as construction and architecture.

Once equipped with the necessary mathematical tools, the students enthusiastically applied their understanding to create their very own mini-houses. Each is armed with recyclable boxes, rulers, clay, and an abundance of creativity. The goal was to design houses with accurate dimensions while considering the relationship between area and perimeter.

In addition to the technical aspects, the students also let their imaginations soar as they personalized their miniature houses. Each student infused their creation with unique touches, such as miniature gardens, intricate details, and even mini-furniture made from recyclable materials. It was truly inspiring to witness their creativity blend seamlessly with mathematical precision.

GROUP C SCIENCE: EXPLORING DENSITY

Our Group C students have been diving into the fascinating world of density and buoyancy. This hands-on learning experience has been an incredible opportunity for them to explore the concepts of mass, volume, and how objects float or sink in different fluids. Let's take a closer look at the wonderful activities and discoveries our students have made!

To kick-start their exploration, our young scientists delved into the concept of density. They learned that density refers to the amount of mass per unit volume of a substance. To grasp this idea, they engaged in various experiments, including measuring the mass and volume of different materials like rocks, feathers, and water.

To further enhance their understanding of density, our students participated in the "Great Density Experiment." They were divided into teams and given various liquids of different densities, such as water, oil, and syrup. The challenge was to layer these liquids in a container without mixing them. With careful measurements and some clever techniques, the teams successfully created beautiful and distinct layers, showcasing their understanding of density differences.

PRIMARY CULINARY: UNLEASHING FLAVORS WITH YUM MAMA, A THAI NOODLE ADVENTURE!

Our Primary students recently embarked on an exciting journey exploring the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. In their culinary class, they embraced the challenge of recreating their very own version of "Yum Mama," a delicious Thai noodle dish with a delectable combination of instant noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy dressing. 

Before diving into the cooking process, our students learned the essential art of knife skills and safety. Under the guidance of our teachers, they practiced proper knife techniques, including how to hold a knife, chop, slice, and dice various vegetables and herbs. This crucial skill not only ensures safety but also promotes independence and confidence in the kitchen.

The heart of Yum Mama lies in its diverse range of flavors. Our students had a chance to explore the unique taste combinations and aromatic herbs used in Thai cuisine. They experimented with ingredients like lime, fish sauce, chili, garlic, and cilantro, learning about the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors that are central to Thai cooking.

Our young chefs took charge of their own culinary creations. They were provided with a selection of ingredients, including fresh vegetables, noodles, protein options, and a variety of seasonings. With the freedom to personalize their Yum Mama dishes, they unleashed their creativity, blending flavors and textures to suit their individual palates.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: OUR STUDENT WINS GOLD AT ASIA PACIFIC ARTS FESTIVAL!

We are thrilled to share some exceptional news. One of our talented students has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious Gold Award at the International Music Competition of the Asia Pacific Arts Festival. 

Through his exceptional performance, Kvin (Year 8) emerged as a true standout, capturing the hearts and attention of the judges and audience alike. His dedication, talent, and artistry were recognized with the highest honor—the Gold Award. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his hard work, countless hours of practice, and unwavering determination.

Congratulations!