The ninth grade Introduction to Physical Sciences course, added a "pop" of color to learning this month with a range of fun, yet educational, experiments.

Using balloons of all different shapes and sizes, students determined whether physical characteristics affected the speed of these falling balloons.  The object of the experiment was to provide a hands-on task focused on inquiry; without a predetermined set of steps to follow, students had to create original experiments by establishing hypotheses and procedures on their own.  The students used motion detectors to measure the balloons' falling speed and used "Lab Quest" devices to graph data.  At the end of the experiment, students were challenged to interpret the collected data: reporting, analyzing and evaluating their results.  Amidst the haze of squeaking, static, and the occasional pop that one expects when working with balloons, the students both engaged in the scientific method and managed to have a few laughs.

Another fun experiment the students performed was the "Egg Drop."  Using materials such as toothpicks, hot glue and coffee filters, students constructed creative vessels for eggs.  The experiment centered around the concept of "impulse" change in momentum.  Following the same principles used in the manufacture of airbags, students built egg vessels that would increase the time that force would be distributed upon impact.  To prevent the instant impact that would shatter the egg passenger, students kept wind resistance in mind, using coffee filters to encapsulate the falling encasement as well as rigging parachutes. These crafts were put to the test when eggs were inserted, and the projects were thrown from the second story.  Some survived and some...did not.

After the experiment, students reflected on the project in an evaluation paper, examining the results and proposing an improved experimental design based on their analysis.

After a short hiatus, student-run newspaper HHNE Eagle-Eye made a comeback this month, distributing over 50 copies to the student body!

Members of the newspaper staff were proud of the latest issue, which sports a snazzy new look and tons of informative and opinionated content provided by and for their peers.  The paper is an outlet for student views, including smart editorials and a review of a school club.  It even features an arts page, showcasing student poetry, portraits, and a comic strip.

The staff is already diving into the next issue, packing it with even more student-centered content!