Bulldog News
Science comes alive at Hillside
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Students in Patrick Sedney’s 8th grade science class recently enjoyed a hands-on presentation about the periodic table of elements and states of matter, courtesy of Dr. Richard Williamson of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Dr. Williamson took a break from his usual day job, which involves researching microscopic superconductors and lasers at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratories, to hold Hillside students spellbound with scientific demonstrations featuring laboratory equipment ranging from test tubes to cryogenic aprons and gloves.
One piece of equipment in particular, a waist-high tank of liquid nitrogen, proved to be especially compelling in Dr. Williamson’s science road show. At one point, the liquid nitrogen figured prominently in a demonstration about the properties of gases.
The experiment began with student Ulake Nyamkhuu ’11 blowing up a toy balloon. Noting that warm gases typically fill the spaces they occupy, Dr. Williamson indicated that, “the balloon expanded because of the warm carbon dioxide and other gases exhaled from Ulake’s lungs.”
Dr. Williamson then requested Isaiah Seetram ’11, appropriately adorned in cryogenic gloves, apron and eye protection gear, to roll the balloon in a tray full of liquid nitrogen. Almost immediately, the balloon delated. “What do you think is happening here?” asked Dr. Williamson.
Several students correctly guessed that, because the liquid nitrogen caused the air within the balloon to cool, it deflated.
Dr. Williamson next asked Ulake to hold the shrunken balloon in between his hands. Much to the students’ surprise, it quickly expanded to its former shape. “As you can see, (Ulake’s) body temperature caused the air to heat up again, thereby enabling the balloon to inflate once again,” said the MIT professor.
Response to Dr. Williamson’s appearance was positive, with many of the students very impressed with this opportunity to witness science in action. A special thanks to Susan Chase (parent of Ethan Butterworth ’11) and the Hillside Parent and Family Association (HPFA) for helping to coordinate Dr. Williamson’s visit.
Dr. Richard Williamson of MIT's Lincoln Laboratories (left) pours liquid nitrogen into a laboratory cylinder as part of his presentation for Hillside students. Watching the process is Ulake Nyamkhuu '11.
Dr. Williamson (right) and Alex Lin '11, dressed in a cryogenic apron, goggles and gloves, successfully make dry ice as part of the classroom presentation. Looking on is Chris Coughlin '11.
