Saturday 14 October 2017

Celebrating science

Today we will take a break from discovering new cities or countries and we will focus on discovering science and nature. No better place for that than the Warsaw University of Technology and its Festival of Science.

The main building of the Warsaw University of Technology has been built in the classical style, with a glass rooftop.


It is guarded by famous scientists who should be the role models for all the students. Like Madame Marie Skłodowska-Curie, double winner of the Nobel prize (I truly hope you all knew she was Polish because Polish people are very sensitive when it come to that).


But the Festival of Science is not in the main building but in the yard next to the House by the Old Chimney.


It is called House by the Old Chimney because it stands next to an Old Chimney. Elementary my dear Watson.


On the other side of the yard stands now a large white tent. Inside, adults and children together can discover the real magic.


You say that science is not magic? But how come that they are able to print real things out of a simple plastic fiber. And in 3D!


Or how can they make things explode by using baking soda?


Not mentioning the piano that make the flames obey it and dance as it plays.


Of course, of course, physics are the new magic. But so can be mechanics that allow to bring something surprisingly close to a robotic horse. Or maybe more a dog?


Those of you who do not feel too comfortable in a laboratory (remember Terminator!) can follow me outside and discover the wonders created by nature itself. Like the bee hives.


I am sure that you all knew that bees can live in small artificial houses built by men but did you know that they can also live in trees? (Those of you who were with me in Białowieża surely know!). They build there amazing labyrinths entirely made out of wax.


Thanks God, real bees are not as big as this one!


Because otherwise, how could we steal them all this honey!


Speaking of trees. You all know that different trees have different leaves and shapes. But did you realise that they also look different inside? Here you can take a look at balls made of different types of wood.


Obviously, to make such balls one needs to cut many trees.


And even though humans need wood for various purposes, by cutting trees they deprive many species of their home. This applies not only to mammals, like foxes ...


...  or badgers.


But also to snakes, ants and other smaller animals who normally hide in the forests.


Hopefully, scientists will find ways to enable a sustainable growth for both humans, animals and the entire ecosystems. When I look at these students of the Warsaw School of Technology, I am positive they will make it. Unless they will blow off their faculty first.


No comments:

Post a Comment