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/.