Of Magic & Chemistry

Towards the end of year 2013, we are celebrating the wonders of science and this time it's having fun with chemistry! The theme is called 'Of Magic & Chemistry'. In conjunction with this theme, we are also giving out a 2-in-1 colourful periodic table and 2014 table calendar to visitors.             

There are many activities listed for visitors to try. Did you know that forensic scientists study how ink breaks down into separate colours in order to solve crimes? We call this chromatography. You can give it a try at Petrosains!

In the ‘Zesty Candle’ activity at Petrosains, you can make your own homemade candle. You need half an orange with the insides scooped out and some olive oil! Orange skin contains a flammable oil with a compound called limonene. Limonene gives oranges and other citrus fruits their distinctive smell! The Zesty Candle made from the orange skin and olive oil produces a fresh citrus scent but with all flammable items, so great care must be taken. 

Our fun science demonstrations on chemistry stimulates you to discover how ordinary works of science can be such an exciting and unforgettable experience! The picture below shows our science communicator performing a science show about ‘Combustion’. Basically he is explaining the three elements that is needed to ignite and sustain a fire, which are fuel, heat and oxygen. 

Hope this will change the mindset that we can only learn and do chemistry in a lab. In actual fact we are free to discover chemical reactions at home using everyday materials. But kids, make sure you have parental guidance if dealing with fire! Or else..






Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Decoding Science Into Arts

Science by itself is intricate. Jargons and complicated theories are always the barrier for the public to understand astonishing discoveries which has won the Nobel Prize. One needs to acquire deep knowledge on Science to digest those findings. However, artist Volker Steger came up with a fresh idea to solve this problem: present science in the form of arts. He challenged the laureates by giving them a blank sheet of paper and a box of crayons to draw their discoveries and this gave birth to the Sketches of Science exhibition. Who else could have imagined such a spontaneous and brilliant approach?

PETRONAS, alongside the Secretariat of the Merdeka Award and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) proudly presents The Sketches of Science: Photo Sessions with Nobel Laureates exhibition at the Petronas Gallery (located at the 3rd floor of Suria KLCC). It features 42 portraits of the Nobel Laureates with their sketches which contributed mainly in the main fields of science; Physics, Chemistry and Medicine. 

The moment visitors step into the exhibition, they could see 50 portraits of the laureates posing with their creative sketches. This exhibition allows visitors to explore the art behind the theories from the laureates’ very own perspective. Sketches exhibited brilliantly depict laureates’ minds in presenting their discovery. What is most appealing about the exhibition is it fosters interest to the public that Science is more than just theories; it is also applicable. It is for everyone to view! Not only that, it is interesting that the scientists attempt to simplify their scientific ideas. This concept where science is infused with arts will attract both science enthusiast and the general public. 

Telephone interviews with the laureates themselves are provided; it engages visitors with the laureates. One could feel stronger connection with the sketching as the interview further explains the symbols of each of the portraits that they view. A documentary video and digital presentations in the exhibition makes it even more interactive. In addition, science communicators from Petrosains are assigned each day to assist visitors. They are there to answer inquiries and offer guidance. This creates a new environment where the culture of excellence is injected into the society. 

Sketches of Science is truly unique. Volker Steger also gave an overview of how each laureate reacted to the project and this indirectly showcases the colourful side of their personality. We would like to invite the public to visit the exhibition and gain as much knowledge and inspiration from it. The exhibition is being held until 31st of January 2014, from 10.00 am up to 8.00pm daily except for Mondays. Here's the best thing, admission is free! 

For more information and details on the exhibition click below: 
http://www.galeripetronas.com.my/Pages/Exhibition.aspx?MenuId=2&SubMenuId=6

Shared by Nadrah

Guest Student Blogger