Terbaik Petrosains 2013!

Berteras dan bersandar pada 'Creating Wonder', Petrosains The Discovery Centre telah menyediakan pelbagai program-program pendidikan sains yang menarik merangkumi  pelbagai variasi pendekatan khusus untuk seluruh penduduk di Semenanjung Malaysia mahupun di Sabah dan Sarawak. Program-program yang disediakan bersesuaian untuk semua lapisan masyarakat dan peringkat usia. Tidak ketinggalan juga pusat satelit mini Petrosains yang beroperasi di negeri-negeri lain yang dikenali sebagai Playsmart Johor Bahru, Playsmart Kuantan dan Playsmart Kota Kinabalu. Ini termasuklah pameran Dinotrek 2 yang menceritakan tentang penemuan semula cicak gergasi ataupun dinosaur yang turut menyajikan pelbagai program yang sememangnya unik dan tersendiri. Himpunan bahan-bahan pendidikan sains terbaik juga turut menemui para pengunjung maya di laman sesawang kami www.petrosains.com.my dan di Petrosains Blog www.petrosains.com.my/blog. Kompilasi bahan-bahan tulisan ringkas berunsur sains juga terdapat di laman media sosial Facebook Petrosains - The Discovery Centre, Twitter @petrosains dan di Instagram @instapetrosains.

Saban tahun Petrosains terus berusaha menyediakan program-program menarik untuk tidak menghampakan para pengunjungnya. Begitupun, 2013 sekali lagi merupakan tahun kejayaan di mana  kemeriahan terbaik Petrosains dirasakan menerusi  Petrosains Science Festival yang dijalankan dari 22 Oktober sehingga 27 Oktober 2013. Sorotan yang paling menyerlah bagi tahun 2013 dan juga merupakan acara yang diadakan buat julung kalinya ini menghimpunkan saintis-saintis yang mempamerkan penemuan dan inovasi saintifik terkini, bengkel-bengkel sains, aktiviti-aktiviti sains interaktif, pendedahan informasi terkini mengenai kesan dan pendekatan penggunaan laman media sosial serta banyak lagi. Pembabitan dari pelbagai pihak dalam menjayakan program ini mencatat bilangan pengunjung yang amat memberangsangkan.

Selain itu, Pertandingan Pertunjukan Sains anjuran Petrosains untuk pelajar-pelajar sekolah menengah seluruh Malaysia dikatakan sebagai  sorotan kedua terbesar. Pertandingan ini secara langsung dapat memupuk minat para pelajar untuk mendalami ilmu sains dan dapat mengubah persepsi terhadap mata pelajaran ini dari sesuatu yang rumit kepada amat menyeronokkan.

Keunikan Petrosains terserlah apabila 'pelantar minyak' dipilih sebagai bahan pameran yang paling diminati. 'Simulator helikopter' dan 'Perjalanan Sekilas Masa'  juga dikatakan popular dikalangan pengunjung daripada maklumat maklumbalas yang diterima. 

Program-program lain seperti Program Bersama Saintis, program bersama guru, program -program yang diwujudkan khas untuk pelajar-pelajar sekolah dan banyak lagi secara tidak langsung memberikan kesedaran kepada murid-murid dan masyarakat tempatan untuk meminati sains dan menjadikan Petrosains sebagai satu tempat untuk mempelajari sains.

Sains dimana-mana! Itulah Petrosains yang telah membuka minda dan menjana semua termasuk golongan pendidik untuk melangkah kehadapan dalam pembelajaran dan pendidikan sains melalui pendekatan 'hands-on' mampu memberi manfaat terhadap generasi kini untuk masa akan datang!

Petrosains amat menghargai maklumbalas dari para pengunjung yang hadir mahupun melalui laman media sosial kami. Segala yang baik harus di teruskan manakala kami pasti akan menitikberatkan apa sahaja perkara yang perlu diperbaiki pada masa akan datang demi ke arah mencapai pusat sains bertaraf dunia.

Jadi, mengapa anda perlu kembali ke Petrosains pada tahun 2014? Sudah pasti kerana sorotan dan paparan program sains yang lebih menarik menanti anda!


Selamat Menyambut Tahun Baru 2014!

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Petrosains Science Show Competition Final 2013

Petrosains successfully held the grand finals of Petrosains National Science Show Competition for the fifth consecutive year on  23rd and 24th October 2013.  Kompleks Kraf, Jalan Conlay was once again became the official venue for the final competition for both the school category and the open category.

After the initial kick-off in early February this year, we received  a total of  317 entries  from secondary schools all over Malaysia including from boarding schools such as Maktab Rendah Sains Mara. After a stringent selection process by our panel of judges,  60 teams were shortlisted and competed against each other in the six zone level competition held in Johor Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Sg. Petani. . The winner from each zone then proceeded to the grand finals together with two wildcard teams chosen by the panel of judges to compete in the grand finals.on 2013.

Some science hunting with the participants from Sarawak

As for the open category,  36 entries were received from teams representing public and private higher learning institutions in Malaysia as well as open teams.  . After vetting thoroughly , the panel of judges  selected  19 teams to compete in  the semi final round and with that, the top nine teams emerged to compete in the grand finals.

This competition is an initiative taken by Petrosains, to promote effective and informal learning methods, and popularize the subjects of science amongst secondary school students, This competition also takes things one step further by putting s students on stage and  giving them the opportunity to explain science to others. This indirectly refines and deepens their own understanding of the science concept and  helps in building their confidence and communication skills that will be a huge asset for them in the future. Other than just performing for the final, the finalists of this year’s school category were also given the opportunity to have a direct up-close  session with Dr. Graham Walker, a PhD holder in science show from Australia National University. During the session, Dr. Graham shared valuable information and tips in science show performing.

School Category

Amazing Acid and Base show by MRSM Pendang

Having some fun with science

Special science show performance from the deaf and mute students of SMKV Indah Pura

And the champion of the Petrosains Science Show Competition 2013 School Category is SMK Panchor!!!  In true cinematic fashion, Zarul Mustaqeem Abdul Samad of SMK Panchor fell to the floor in elated disbelief when the final result was announced.  Their win was attributed to natural onstage chemistry between the two participants,  skillful audience engagement and fascinating science show performance that captured the judges attention and scored them high marks.

The happy faces of the winners

As for the Open Category, it was an extremely tight battle  between all 9 teams. Each of them came out with awe-inspiring shows that included the science of sounds, dry ice and even bubbles. In the end, Institut Pendidikan Guru Ipoh created a – surprise when both their teams swept away the first and second Place for the finals, defeating other  teams from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Politeknik Balik Pulau and the enigmatic Yong Brothers’ Robotic Show. 

Open Category

Discovering interesting element about density with Politeknik Balik Pulau team

Fantastic  show about heat capacity and pressure by the Institut Perguruan Perlis

Travelling through time with amazing science discovery by the Institut Perguruan Ipoh 

Results: 

School Category

Champion  SMK Panchor

Runner- up : SMK Seksyen 10, Kota Damansara

Third place : SMK Sultan Ismail, SMK Lembah Bidong

And the 6 Special Awards go to :-

Best Script : MRSM Pendang, Kedah

Best Future Star : SMK Tamparuli, Sabah

Best ‘Wow’ Demonstration : SMK Panchor, Negeri Sembilan

Best Performer : SMK Sultan Ismail, Johor

Most Popular Group : SMK Panchor, Negeri Sembilan

Highest Number of Entries  : Negeri Johor

Open Category

Champion : Institut Pendidikan Guru Ipoh (Team Loh)

Naib Johan : Institut Pendidikan Guru Ipoh (Team Tan)

Tempat Ketiga : Yong Brothers

The happy faces of the winners

Definitely can’t wait to see what 2014 has to offer for the competition! 

'Sultans of Science' Menjejaki Penemuan Semula Sains Islam

Secara keseluruhannya, pameran 'Sultans of Science' yang mencirikan penemuan semula sains Islam  merangkumi  tokoh-tokoh saintis islam, penemuan -penemuan terawal terhadap pelbagai konsep sains di samping bahan-bahan pameran yang terpilih sebagai perisian ruang pameran ini. Pameran ini telah berada di Petrosains selama 6 bulan dari Disember 2012 sehingga Jun 2013.

Pemandangan di sepanjang laluan pintu masuk ke ruang pameran adalah lain dari yang lain. Sekali pandang pasti kita akan teruja untuk berkunjung ke sini. Sepanjang laluan untuk memasuki ruang pameran, terdapat lukisan wajah-wajah sarjana muslim dan turut disertakan maklumat mengenai sumbangan penemuan  mereka terhadap dunia. Di ruang yang cukup indah ini juga, ia berlatar belakangkan alunan muzik arab khas untuk para pelawat agar dapat lebih merasai dan memperhalusi bahan-bahan pameran di samping dapat menimba banyak ilmu pengetahuan tentang penemuan semula sains islam.

Bahan pameran yang menjadi tarikan utama adalah jam gajah ataupun 'elephant clock'. Ini merupakan simbol kepada penemuan semula sains islam dalam menentukan masa. Jam gajah telah direka oleh Al-Jazari, seorang jurutera dan arkitek beragama Islam. Jam ini boleh menunjukkan waktu dan memberi isyarat pergerakan untuk setiap 30 minit. Keunikan rekabentuk jam gajah terserlah oleh gabungan pelbagai jenis haiwan yang menjadi simbol beberapa buah negara.

Bukan setakat itu sahaja malah terdapat di salah satu sudut aktiviti, kita juga berpeluang mempelajarai bagaimana menghasilkan minyak wangi dari rempah ratus seperti bunga cengkih, kayu mais, bunga lawang, jintan manis dan buah pelaga. Staf-staf Petrosains sentiasa bersedia di sudut aktiviti untuk menerangkan lebih lanjut tentang sains di sebalik minyak wangi. 

Terdapat pentas kecil yang tersedia untuk sesi pertunjukan sains khusus untuk para pengunjung yang hadir. Kesimpulannya, 'Sultans of Science' telah  menjanjikan  suatu kepuasan dalam mendalami sejarah penemuan  semula sains islam  dan ilmu yang diperolehi adalah tidak sia-sia malah ia boleh dimanfaatkan pada masa-masa akan datang.







Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

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

Science Matters!

Do you know that metal slinky can produce sounds like a ‘laser gun’?

Did you know that if you sit on a fully inflated balloon it will likely pop but what if you’re standing on a raft of balloons? 

A regular air-filled balloon will pop when exposed to a flame but in this photo, a science communicator is able to hold a flame under a balloon without it bursting. Is this magic? Of course it isn’t! By simply adding water into the balloon, enough heat can be absorbed and dissipated to ensure that the balloon doesn’t burst. How long do you think the balloon can remain resistant to the flame?

More discoveries were happening at Petrosains from July - September 2013 with our third thematic program called Science Matters! Discoveries That Change The World. It was definitely an interesting affair. The pictures above show the interactive mini science shows that we had in our centre. Seeing seeing someone conduct a simple science experiment live helps us learn and understand science easier.  

The highlight for our 'Weekend Special' event was the sape and guitar performance by Nico, our science communicator. He demonstrated the differences and similarities between the two musical instruments. Besides that, visitors also had a chance to make their own paper helicopters.

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Keajaiban Dunia Matematik di Petrosains!

Tema program berasaskan matematik telah dipilih bagi bulan April hingga Jun 2013 dan dikenali sebagai 'Magical Math'. Tema ini diraikan di Petrosains KLCC, Petrosains Dinotrek dan juga di ketiga-tiga  Playsmart kami iaitu Playsmart Johor Bahru, Playsmart Kuantan dan Playsmart Kota Kinabalu.

Pelbagai aktiviti yang telah dijalankan. Di antaranya adalah seperti Binary Games, Match Trick, aktiviti yang berasaskan teori Teorem Pithagoras, tangram dan lain-lain lagi. Selain itu, slot untuk pertujukan sains turut dimuatkan dengan pertunjukan bertemakan matematik seperi 'Mathematica'.

Match Trick

Selain itu, Petrosains juga menganjurkan usaha sama bersama filem 'Monsters University' di mana para pengunjung berpeluang menyertai peraduan mengira bilangan monsters yang dipamerkan di dalam sebuah bekas kaca yang diletakkan di lobi Petrosains.

Selari dengan tema matematik ini, Petrosains juga menganjurkan satu pertandingan yang disertai oleh pelajar-pelajar sekolah rendah tahun 4 dan 5 iaitu 'Congak'. Kemeriahan mempelajari Matematik ini turut bertambah dengan Karnival Matematik  yang diadakan di Playsmart. Secara amnya, program ini mengasah kecekapan minda menerusi penggunaan konsep matematik seperti mengira, operasi dalam matematik dan nombor dalam pelbagai soalan berbentuk kuiz. Karnival matematik  mendapat sambutan yang amat menggalakkan kerana peratusan besar daripada pengunjung yang hadir adalah terdiri dari golongan keluarga.

Secara keseluruhannya, keajaiban matematik di Petrosains tentunya mampu  menjadikan mempelajari matematik ini suatu yang mudah dan menyeronokkan!





Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Looking Back at 'Our Earth Our Home'!

Our first thematic program for 2013 was 'Our Earth Our Home' which was held from January until March 2013. The theme was celebrating science activities delivering a message to keepsafe our environment. It was celebrated in our main centre, Petrosains KLCC and also in our mini satellite centers in Playsmart Johor Bahru, Playsmart Kuantan and Playsmart Kota Kinabalu. All activities done by Petrosains for 'Our Earth Our Home' was aimed to create awareness among us on the importance of conserving & preserving our environment.

The highlight for this theme was our special iconic tree which was named the 'Pledge Tree'. It was made of recycled cardboard boxes and displayed on our science show stage with environmental messages written by visitors on small, colourful pieces of paper that later became the leaves of the tree. 

Some of the hands-on mini science activities conducted in the centre are as shown in the pictures below:-

Home Sweet Home - Understanding our earth structure by making a model using clay

Throughout the 3 months of having 'Our Earth Our Home' as our theme, we chose one weekend to hold a 'Weekend Special'. Usually during weekend specials, we have extra science activities on top of those held on a daily basis. We also had Aswara Dance Performing Arts Group performing 3 dances with choreography inspired by the animal kingdom! 

Playsmart Kuantan held 'Clean the Beaches' outdoor activity and Playsmart Johor Bahru did a program in Taman Negara Tanjung Piai where they planted mangrove trees and also held a trash collecting competition. 

Playsmart JB celebrating Festival Hijau at Taman Negara, Tanjung Piai

But surely initiatives to save our environment & keep it in pristine conditions should not just happen during those three months. It must be an on-going effort that continues everywhere on Earth. We should remind ourselves that it is our responsibility to take good care of our Earth as it is our only home!

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains