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"The Elements of the Periodic Table" International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements Science Demonstration Lecture Series
The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is one of the most significant achievements in science, capturing the essence not only of chemistry, but also of physics and biology. The year 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of its creation by Russian scientist Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev. The Year was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as "International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements 2019" (IYPT2019). To support IYPT2019, Hong Kong Science Museum has invited Prof. Jason Chan, Assistant Professor of Science Education from the Department of Chemistry at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, to perform a series of extraordinary science demonstration, namely "The Elements of the Periodic Table". In the demonstration, he will showcase spectacular experiments and unique element samples, by which you will be taken into the world of the elements to explore their individual properties and listen to their fascinating stories.
Demonstration 1: Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 1 and 2 Elements)
The Group 1 and Group 2 metals are the most reactive metals. These metals can be rather unfriendly if they got wet, which could end up in pretty impressive explosions. The compounds of these elements, however, are very common in everyday life and can be found abundantly around our homes and within our bodies. In this demonstration, the properties of the groups 1 and 2 elements and their compounds will be demonstrated, featuring some of the famously reactive metals, such as Rubidium and Caesium!
Demonstration 2: Transition Metals: Part I (Group 3 to 12 Elements) Please click here for video.
There are so many interesting elements among the transition metals that two lectures will be devoted to their stories. In this first lecture, our attention will focus on the first row of the transition metals (Scandium to Zinc), and some of the most well-known metals are among these ten, such as iron and copper. These metals can display very beautiful and vibrant colours in their compounds and they will surprise us by their chemical reactions! We shall explore some daily life uses of these metals as well.
Demonstration 3: Transition Metals: Part II (Group 3 to 12 Elements)
In this second lecture on the Transition Metals, we will focus our attention to the second and third row transition metals. Here we find some of the most expensive metals such as Gold and Platinum; some of the rarest metals such as Iridium and Osmium and some of the most elusive metals such as Mercury! In this demonstration, we will perform chemistry experiments with these expensive noble metals, these experiments are seldom performed – well, because not many are willing to give away their gold for Chemistry! Join us and be surprised by the properties of these heavier transition metals!
Demonstration 4: Boron, Carbon and Nitrogen Group Elements (Group 13, 14, 15 Elements)
The common feature among groups 13 to 15 is that going from top to bottom, they switch from non-metals into semi-metals and into metals. As such, we can find rather diverse behaviours among these elements. How can carbon appear as sparkly and attractive diamonds, while the next element up, nitrogen, passes by only as a common gas that is in the air surrounding us? This demonstration will explore the chemical properties of these elements.
Demonstration 5: Oxygen group elements, Halogens and Noble Gases (Group 16, 17, 18 Elements)
In the last three columns of the periodic table, are some of the elements with strongest personal characters. For example, the group 18 elements are noted for their nobility and inertness, while the halogens in group 17 are some of the most reactive and dangerous non-metal elements. While oxygen is breathed by all to survive, you may wish to stay away from the other oxygen group elements as they could bring about unpleasant effects to your body. Learn all about them at this demonstration!
Secrets of a Lemon
We all know that lemon is sour. How can we tell if a substance is acidic or alkaline besides using our sense of taste? What are the uses of lemon? Let's explore the "Secrets of a Lemon"!
Please click here for activity sheet. (Chinese version only)
Amazing Air
Air is present everywhere around us. How much do you know about air? How is the weight of air related to the atmospheric pressure? Let's enjoy the "Amazing Air" to explore the wonders of atmospheric pressure.
Please click here for activity sheet. (Chinese version only)
第四集 – 3D動畫事務所(上集)
第四集 – 3D動畫事務所(上集)
栩栩如生的動畫,能夠令人產生共鳴。大家可知道動畫師是如何為動畫人物注入靈魂呢?
動畫的英文「Animation」, 源自拉丁語「靈魂」(Anima),而 Animate 則有賦予生命的意思。一套 3D 動畫之所以活靈活現,需經過多個部門,幕後工匠功不可沒!首先有建模師為故事裏面的角色、場景和道具等建構模型,再由表面美術師上色、添加質感,然後交給骨架建構師打通任督二脈。
今集《3D動畫事務所》,請來香港科學館設計師林漢廣帶你深入 3D 動畫事務所!如果想親身體驗動畫師的工作崗位,就不能錯過香港科學館正在展出的「彼思動畫的科學秘密」展覽!
第五集 – 3D動畫事務所(下集)
第五集 – 3D動畫事務所(下集)
動畫師筆下的角色人物個個演技活靈活現,莫非他們跟演員一樣也接受過「由外到內再到返外」的演技訓練?
或者未必要上戲劇班,但作為動畫人物背後的幕後演員,角色動畫師絕對要具備表演慾才能夠透過編寫程式語言,將不同的角色從靜態圖像送上舞台,成為行走自如的靈魂。要表演,當然也不少得燈光美術師為人物和場景打燈,以營造氣氛和增添立體感。最後再經過一條數碼輸送帶,將各式各樣的3D資訊變成2D影像,登上大銀幕!
今集《3D動畫事務所(下集)》,請來香港科學館技術主任梁逸暉帶你繼續深入 3D 動畫事務所,從動作製作、燈光到成像製作,了解一部3D動畫背後的創作歷程。