{SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW.}

Sunday, 11 January 2009

title:{Triumphant}

Let me start off this post with a GIANT YAY!
Yes. We managed to clinch a place out of ten places to enter the final round of Science Buskers.

What is Science Buskers?

Well, Science Buskers Festival 2008-2009 is a new initiative that encompasses the idea of developing the individual's / group's communication skills through expressions of science in creative manners.

Organized as a competition, the Science Buskers Festival serves as an excellent platform to spread key messages relating to the importance of inspiring an interest in science. During the competition, contestants will do a "show-and-tell" on any science topic, and judging will be based on audiences' votes and judges' scores.

Today we did many experiments. We started a fire with water, managed to produce an invisible flame, and also knocked down obstacles using shockwaves. Many children enjoyed playing with the shockwave machine, whilst adults loved our sizzling demonstrations. Even our teacher, Mr Aw Yong, came down all the way from his reservist just to support us!

In the morning session of busking, I was not there as I had tennis lessons. Lie Wen and Joseph managed to raise 29 votes. In the afternoon, our families and more people streamed in to the Science Centre and voted for us by dropping special ping pong balls into our basket.

Soon, after a non-stop two hour busk, we were waiting in anxiousness and trepidation as the results were tabulated. Joseph, Lie Wen and myself promised each other that we would be satisfied no matter the result as we had done our very best.

We sat nervously near the stage, hoping and praying that judges would vote for us. Judges had special, huge ping pong balls that was equivalent to five normal ping pong balls.

We were on cloud nine even though only one judge ( there were five) gave us his vote. Nonetheless, we were satisfied. But anxiety and trepidation still lingered, as we still did not know if we could clinch a position in the top ten...

We were extremely jubilant when our group's name, Pyro Cyro, was called. We had miserable votes on the first two days. But on the last day, we were surely blessed, for many relatives came to support us. We had a whooping number of 117 votes today. Total tally of 210 over 3 days. We thought it was not good enough, but thank goodness we made it! ( Gloria In Excelsis Deo!)

Joejyn's group also managed to clinch a place too. They had 300 votes. Both teams were ecstatic as we represented Victoria School too, not just ourselves. We also forged camaraderie with the other teams and all were happy regardless of results. We then took photos and cheered "VS!" very loudly. I felt so honoured and proud to represent VS!

Tired but happy, we went for a short debrief and packed our paraphernalia, before heading home. Seeing jubilant and lachrymose faces, I could not help but feel a spark of commiseration for those teams that did not managed to get in. I felt that all participants had busked to their optimum.

I learnt that good teamwork and strategy are essential for success. Our grasp of chemistry is also strengthened after busking.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all family and friends who supported us. Without your gargantuan help, our chances of getting in are zilch. Thank you very much!

Before I end off this post, I shall post some pictures.

The precious voting ball.

Invisible fire.

The tired but happy Team Pyro Cyro !

1/11/2009 07:08:00 pm;