2014 Lab Report

Introduction: Beakerhead is a city-wide celebration where intersections between the arts and sciences are explored through numerous events and exhibitions.  More information can be found at: http://beakerhead.org/.  Willow Park School for Arts-Centred Learning is a place where students between grades five and nine learn with and through the arts.  More information can be learnt at: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b331/.  

In early mid-September of 2014, Calgary was severely impacted by a seasonally unexpected snow storm.  The weight of the snow combined with an active rain-influenced growth season caused leaf-laden tree branches to crash down across the city - blocking streets and knocking down power lines.  On Wednesday, September 10, the snow forced Beakerhead to postpone opening their outdoor events as planned.  On Thursday, September 11, a small group of students from Willow Park journeyed downtown to see if Beakerhead had been able to recover.

Problem: What effect will the September Snow Storm of 2014 have on Beakerhead's ability to host a city-wide series of outdoor events that fuse the arts and sciences?

Hypothesis: Based on Beakerhead's impressive debut in 2013, we predict that they will exhibit a "Can Do" attitude and persevere with their outdoor program.

Equipment:
2 video cameras
1 GoPro camera
11 smart phones
1 iPod 
2 sketchbooks
22 transit tickets
9 notebooks
9 pens
9 students
1 teacher
1 education assistant

Procedure:
1. 9:15 am - Leave Willow Park School to take the C-Train downtown.
2. 10:00 am - Visit Little Big Street at the Stampede Grounds - an exhibition of works that creatively address social and environmental issues.
3. 11:oo am - Visit El Pulpo Mecanico - a fire-breathing steampunk octopus from California.
4. 1:00 pm - Visit Net Blow-Up - an innovative climbable social structure from Vienna, Austria. 
5. 2:00 pm - Visit C Studio - a workspace gallery showcasing selections from the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory's light pollution photo contest.
6. 3:00 pm - Arrive back at Willow Park School to compile our findings.

Manipulated Variable: Calgary's predictably unpredictable weather.
Responding Variable: The ability of Beakerhead to overcome a September snow storm.
Controlled Variables: All student observers attended the same events.  All events were attended on the same day at the same time.

Observations:

Illustrations by Rachel D.

Video by Chantal O. and Hannah L.

Video by Jessie B. and Shauna K.

Video by Ethan M. and Claire M.

Exceeding Expectations (article) by Rachel D. and Myana C.

Analysis

100% of the sketches, photos, videos and articles demonstrated that Beakerhead rose to the task of providing a creatively inspiring  and scientifically innovative series of events.

Sources of Error

Staff and students were totally wiped by the end of their journey and findings may be skewed due to the inevitable giddiness that a day of fresh air inspires. 

Conclusion

Our hypothesis was supported as Beakerhead recovered in an impressive manner to host many fantastic outdoor (and indoor) locations.  Further investigations may be conducted by more students visiting Beakerhead over the weekend. For more information, please visit: http://beakerhead.org/.

2013 Lab Report

Introduction: Beakerhead is a new Calgary festival where the intersections between the arts and sciences are explored through numurous events and exhibitions.  More information can be found at: http://beakerhead.org/.  Willow Park School for Arts-Centred Learning is a place where students between grades five and nine learn with and through the arts.  More information can be learnt at: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b331/.

Problem: What will be the outcomes when the Willow Park Beakerhead Observation Team collects findings about Calgary's exciting new festival of arts and sciences?

Hypothesis: The various student documents created will serve as inspirations for the imagination.

Equipment:
3 video cameras
4 iPhones
6 cameras
3 sketchbooks
5 notebooks
1 school bus
20 students
2 teachers
1 education assistant
1 parent volunteer/photography specialist

Procedure:
1. 9:30 am Board bus from Willow Park.
2. 10:00 am - 11:00 am - Visit the Sustainoval - the first ever carnival running 100% on renewable resources including solar energy, biofuels and hydropower.
3. 11:15 - am - noon - Attend the Beakerhead Opening Ceremonies hosted by Jay Ingram of The Daily Planet and featuring a Series of Unexpected Events.
4. 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm - visit the Raygun Gothic Rocketship information centre.
5. 1:30 pm return the Willow Park School to compile our findings.

Manipulated Variable: The different student groups.
Responding Variable: The various videos, sketches and presentations created.
Controlled Variables:  All students involved attended the Sustainival (a green carnival), the Beakerhead Opening Ceremonies and the Raygun Gothic Rocketship information site.

Observations

Beakerhead Video by Claire M., Rachel D., Jessie B. and Shauna K.

Science and Art Video by Sarah H. and Hanji B.

A Fusion of Art and Science by Rowan L.

Beakerhead Powerpoint Vid by Danica L. and Amanda D.

Beakerhead Video by Nicole W. and Emma T.

The Most Amazing Convergence by Katelyn M. and Rachel D.

Beakerhead by Ethan M. and Wyatt S. 

Beakerhead Picture Presentation by Chantal O. and Hannah L.

Festival of Engineering, Arts and Science by Megan B.

The Ride of Science Video by Jess N. and Zooey D.

Analysis

100% of the sketches, photos, videos, articles and presentations demonstrated student enthusiasm  for creative learning of the arts and sciences.

Sources of Error

Teachers and students were clearly exhausted by the end of the day and findings may be skewed due to possible heatstroke (the temperature was about 30 degrees celsius). 

Conclusion

Our hypothesis was supported as the documents created all serve as inspirations for the imagination.  Further investigations may be conducted by more students visiting Beakerhead over the weekend. For more information, please visit: http://beakerhead.org/.