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| Fun
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Why does popcorn pop? Why are there holes
in bread? How can you tell when a bubble is about
to burst? In this story, you can learn more about
science from Susan Chang.
Susan is presently Manager of Science Communication
and Publications at the Singapore Science Centre.
Previously, she was a senior scientific officer
at the Centre. Her former role was to develop exhibits
and conduct programmes to make learning science
a stimulating experience.
Susan loves to make science come alive through engaging
programmes, fun-filled activities and interactive
exhibits.
Popcorn Science is a hands-on programme she conceptualised.
During a two-hour session, children discover what
makes a corn pop. They experiment by putting corn
in water, in the freezer and in the oven. They learn
that when corn is heated up, the moisture in the
corn turns to steam, which cracks the shell of the
corn. And popcorn is actually corn that is turned
inside out.
Pizza Pizzazz is another popular class Susan developed.
Children learn all about yeast. They get to smell
yeast in its raw state, mix it with warm water and
sugar and watch it grow. They add flour and water
to make a dough. And when they put the dough in
a warm place, it rises. The children learn that
yeast makes the dough rise, and the holes in the
pizza bread are made by carbon dioxide trapped in
the dough.
“Through such classes, children learn about
things that are related to everyday life. And at
the end of the session, they get a wonderful treat,”
Susan said. With such fun and enriching programmes,
it is not surprising that the classes at the Science
Centre are fully booked by schools.
Susan also developed the Discovery Zone, a permanent
exhibition for young children that facilitates learning
through play. And around Children’s Day every
year, she organises Discovery Time, a series of
children’s programmes.
Last year’s programme was a 10-day bubble
festival. Thousands of children from childcare centres,
kindergartens and primary schools enjoyed playing
with bubbles and learning about the concepts of
elasticity and tension. For example, the children
learnt why a bubble would not burst when poked with
a wet finger, and that when a bubble becomes almost
translucent, it will soon burst.
With some 850 exhibits in eight galleries at the
Science Centre, there are many learning opportunities
for children and even adults.
To enhance visitors’ experience at the Centre,
Susan was tasked to
start and run a volunteer scheme. She currently
has about 100 adult volunteers who help to control
the crowd, explain exhibits and
answer questions.
“It helps to have more volunteers to make
the place come alive. People give technology a human
touch and that’s what we’re looking
for,”
she said.
It has been 14 years since Susan joined the Science
Centre. Yet she maintains a positive outlook. She
said, “I stayed on because what I do
is different every day. I interact with different
people. I do many
different things.”
Sharing about the most satisfying aspect of her
job, she said, “I like working with children.
It’s their curiosity. They are always eager
to
learn. And it feels good to see the ‘Aha!’
on their faces when they
understand something.”
CARE TO
VOLUNTEER?
Besides a chance to interact with people,
make new friends and learn more about science,
those who volunteer at least 20 hours a year
get a one-year Science Centre membership plus
other perks. Find out more by checking out
www.science.edu.sg
or send an email to volunteers@science.
edu.sg. |
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