May 9th, 2011 – Science Centre Field Trip Photos

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Science and Math

On Friday May 6th the grade 9 and 10 science classes went to the Ontario Science Centre. Our first stop was on level 5 where we explored the wonders of the human body. This gave the grade 10 class an up close and hands on experience about cells, tissues and organisms. Next we stopped off at two separate exhibits and discovered how optical illusions work as well as observed various animals in their ecosystems. After lunch we finally got to see the IMAX film Hubble, allowing the grade 9 class to see how the instrument that took all the amazing pictures they have been witnessing in the Earth and space science unit was placed into orbit.  Our trip concluded with a tour of our solar system and the universe through presentation in the center’s planetarium.

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May 5th, 2011 – Six Weeks and Counting Pictures

YMCA Academy Science and Math, Student Spotlight

The Grade 9 Math Class has just completed six weeks of growing and tracking the growth of vegetables.  All veggies survived except one small cucumber that didn’t make it through this past weekend.  We will continue to tend our garden until we can arrange to go to Brickworks and plant them in their community garden.  We will keep you posted!

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Apr. 20th, 2011 – Fun with Optical Illusions

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Science and Math, Student Spotlight

Optical Illusions had the attention of the Grade 10 science class today. With the Optics unit nearly complete students were asked to use their new knowledge to tackle some eye benders.

Did you know there is a glass public washroom in a town square in Switzerland? Reflection is used to make it one-way. No one can see you in there, but when you are inside, it looks like you’re sitting in a clear glass box.

We built a model to “experience” one way reflection.

Ever wonder how science and art mix? Check out the Chevreul illusion and issues of optical perspective.

Ever wonder how the hobbits in Lord of the Rings look so small? We built an Ames room to understand.

Did you know that your eyes have different sensors to see contrast vs. colour. We tested our rods and cones and got interesting results!

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