All members of the St Mary’s Calne community are invited to enter the Science Film Festival. The aim is to research a scientist of your choosing and produce a short film (maximum four minutes) which will be judged by a mixed panel. The details of how to enter are on the school's BSW channel Science Film Festival.
There are scientists that we have all heard of (but do we actually know what they discovered or invented?) along with many whom are lesser known – but no less interesting. Take Thomas Midgley Jr for example. An American inventor that many will not have heard of, but his two most famous inventions have been banned as they are dangerous to the environment. Student Head of Chemistry, Aoife, gave a short introduction to his inventions in Chapel last Tuesday. Firstly, the organic compound Tetraethyl lead which was added to petrol to prevent engine-knock and is the major source of atmospheric lead pollution. Secondly, Freon-12, one of the first CFCs – molecules which damage the ozone layer. In keeping with the theme for British Science Week ‘Innovating for the Future’ we thought Thomas Midgley was an innovator. After contracting polio and being disabled, he came up with a system of ropes and pulleys to lift him out of bed. That was his final invention, as he became entangled in the ropes and was strangled.
I look forward to receiving entries for the Science Film Festival. The deadline for entries is not until next term, so you have plenty of time to put together a short presentation. As always, Company points will be awarded to all entries.
Mrs Carol Wilson (Head of Chemistry)