Once again the High School Science teachers took the grade 11 IB Diploma students to rough it at the V-resort. The students undertook extensive field work in the areas of Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems by looking at the local environment (especially the water quality) at various locations near to the hotel. Oxygen content, pH levels, mineral levels (chloride, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate) were all investigated and data collected that will allow a database to be established so that future field trips can establish patterns, improvements (and declines) in the water’s quality. The physics students hired bicycles and used the straight pathways in the resort to investigate the factors affecting the stopping distances of vehicles (mass, velocity, breaking force, road surface were investigated).
The Tuesday evening quiz seemed to have been enjoyed by both students and teachers (strange that the team containing two teachers won the quiz!). Volleyball sessions in “free time” periods coordinated by Jerry Thompson, Steve Powers and Mike Dickinson made sure that those who wanted to play sports were all involved (both athletes and non-athletes generally enjoyed the volleyball sessions).
Last year's treasure hunt on Wednesday evening was made a little more scientific with some orienteering thrown in for good measure – Thanks to Anke Voigt.
Three sessions of Theory of Knowledge were introduced this year. Steve Powers presenting two and Mike Dickinson presenting one. It was a great way to bring the science content of the TOK course to life with Steve Powers observing and helping with much of the students’ planning and data collection practical work – Thanks Steve.
The compulsory hike (or “forced march” as it became known) was introduced this year after discussion from last year’s field trip. This was well received by most of the students and allowed them to stretch their legs a little and switch their brains away from science for a couple of hours on Thursday afternoon – Thanks to Huong and Van.
The students (and staff) behaved themselves impeccably. I was very proud to be a part of this field trip once again this year and enjoyed it even more than in previous years (the non-science activities and level of science seem to have reached a very good balance).
United Nations International School of Hanoi
UNIS is a not-for-profit international school offering the full International
Baccalaureate from
Discovery (for 3 year olds) to Grade 12. It is also fully accredited
by the European Council
of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and
Colleges.
