Category: Science Group

In part one we shared a presentation about medical advances during the 1950s.

It is a time when many of us were growing up, and the decade marked major progress in individual medical interventions and in public health.

To summarise some key advances.

Jonas Salk’s injectable polio vaccine and Albert Sabin’s oral version dramatically reduced the disease. Advances in heart surgery introduced artificial valves, pacemakers, and routine open-heart procedures. Dialysis programs began, while vaccines curbed the Asian flu. New antibiotics and tranquilizers emerged, alongside recognition of the cancer risks linked to smoking.

We also shared a celebration of two significant birthdays of David Wormall and Lynda Jackson 1955 and 1935 babies. But which was which?

After the break using small cardboard and bigger plastic ‘jet propelled’ model planes group members carried out a practical investigation into how aeroplane wings and angle of launch affect flight path and distance.

Our next meeting is on Friday 19^th December

Bob McEwen is the Quiz Master for our end of term quiz, and in the Blue Peter tradition you will be making something to take home afterwards.

David Rose

At our meeting in October, group member Dr Jolanta Adamczewska gave a presentation about lubricants with a specific focus on petrochemicals.

She explained that petrochemicals are chemical products derived primarily from oil, petroleum and, to a lesser extent, from natural gas.

Petrochemicals are predominantly organic compounds, meaning they are composed mainly of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. The simplest petrochemicals are hydrocarbons, which can be classified into three main categories based on their structural features.

Jolanta demonstrated the structure using atomic models first starting with

Methane (CH4): The simplest alkane, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms in a tetrahedral geometry.

She then explained how Lubricants are made for combustion engines and how the resulting lubricant undergoes rigorous testing for properties like viscosity, thermal stability, and cleanliness before marketing. This production process ensures that the lubricant can effectively reduce friction, prevent wear, and operate reliably under demanding engine conditions.

Much of the testing is done using actual engines that are removed from production model cars- not all science investigations only use test tubes!

She concluded with a reference to electric powered vehicles and how the motor lubricants are different from those in petrol and diesel vehicles basically because they are not subject to explosions and high temperatures in the engine cylinders.

After the break we considered some significant medical advances since 2015.

Our next meeting is 21^st November at JGC, and we are also meeting on 19^th December.

David Rose

Visit to Bestwood Country Park 19^th September, 2025

Water Rockets and Polystyrene Aeroplanes: A Day of Experimentation

The science group met at Bestwood Country Park for a hands-on exploration of flight and propulsion. A focus of the meeting was launching water rockets, an activity that proved both challenging and entertaining. Despite our enthusiasm and numerous attempts to launch even with the expertise of John Tedstone and John Berril we encountered a staggering 95% failure rate with water rocket launches.

They either failed to lift off or experienced technical difficulties, usually due to insufficient air pressure, this providing plenty of opportunities for laughter among the spectators.

In contrast, the session on polystyrene aeroplane flying was notably more successful. Members enjoyed constructing and testing their lightweight planes.

 Some of them soared impressively across the open spaces of the park, others experienced an early descent.

 Our efforts highlighted the unpredictable nature of scientific experimentation.  Overall, it was a memorable day, combining fun, frustration, and the thrill of discovery in a rural outdoor setting.

Our next meeting is on Friday 17^th October at JGC 10am to 11.45am

We have a presentation from group member Dr Jolanta Adamczewska who spent many years specialising in the field of lubricants.

Most of us know they are substances designed to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately minimises heat generation and wear.

We will learn that they have many other uses and there are different types both natural and synthetic.

Following the break we have an activity currently in development.

David Rose

Science – 19^th September

The plan is to reconvene at Bestwood Country Park for our indoor/outdoor meeting. We will have the use of the Dynamo House and kitchen for drinks.

Outside we will be launching rockets and aeroplanes.

Not one of these!                                   But more like this ‘water rocket’

There will also be an aeroplane making and flying competition with a prize and obviously prestige for the winner.

Thanks to Bob Gow for arranging the venue and to Margaret from the Dynamo House café kitchen for allowing us to use the facilities.

There will be an opportunity of a guided tour for anyone who has not made a visit to the unique Winding House or for anyone who wishes to have another look.

More details will be sent to all Science Group members later.

David Rose

July 18^th Meeting

This month we welcomed a visiting speaker Dr Yi Wang from The Canal and River Trust.

The theme was ‘Wildlife Around Our Canals’ and she explained that they were once busy avenues of commerce and industry and are now bustling corridors of wildlife.

Kingfishers dart low over the water, and herons stalk fish from shadowy banks. Moorhens and swans glide peacefully, while dragonflies shimmer above lily pads. Otters, once rare, are now making a quiet comeback. Reeds and towpaths hide voles, frogs, and butterflies. These tranquil waterways offer shelter, food to countless species—nature’s heartbeat flowing gently alongside human history.

After the break in preparation for our aeroplane flying and rocket launching day at Bestwood Country Park on 15th August, Ian Murray explained how planes fly. Before becoming the ‘Rockin Rev’ Ian worked for 12 years in the aerospace industry, and he managed to make a very difficult concept accessible by his explanation and illustrations.

To summarise:

Planes fly by using lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Air flows faster over the curved top of the wing, creating lower pressure above it—this generates lift. Engines provide thrust to move the plane forward, while drag resists motion. Pilots balance these forces so the plane can climb, cruise, and descend. Precision design and constant airflow turn physics into flight, keeping the aircraft soaring through our skies every day.