Investigations on Silicon Dioxide
Introduction |
| Once upon a time, some random teachers were starting
a scientific experiment with a complex substance which has a network covalent
bonding structure. The experiment was performed outside of the Assembly
Hall of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. It has been
fun, interesting, and memorable.
Description |
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Work began on Monday morning toward the creation of a large sand sculpture (6 feet tall using 6 cubic yards of sand) that would include a Statue of Liberty (bearing a remarkable likeness to UNC President President Molly Corbett Broad) cradling a computer and accompanied by a unicorn (NCSSM mascot). The design was developed with the assistance of Ed Moore of Sandy Feat and was carved by students and staff starting on Monday, April 27th, 1998 and continuing through until Wednesday evening. The sculpture was created on the north side of Watts Hall next to the Gazebo. |
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Objective |
Utilize the physical properties of Silicon Dioxide to celebrate the inauguration of Molly Corbett Broad as the new president of the UNC system. |
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Summary of Theory |
Silicon Dioxide has the ability to become densely compressed, but only with the help of 100 or so students on a stomping rampage. Once the SiO2 has been compacted, the sand's new physical condition can support manipulation into a standing sculpture which could last up to two months (without any human destruction, of course). |
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Experimental Equipment |
| $750 of sand, tent, wood, and tools |
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Experimental methods |
| Well, first we need some wood to build a form, which was used for making a big block of sand, then students and staff started carving out the shape of the sculpture. |
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Calculations and Data |
| Yep, we're Science & Math! What else could happen without our serious calculation with the TI graphing calculators? We start off with 547 pounds of sand, and mix water in it to make it .89 Mol/Liters to increase its stability. Of course, Chris Taylor helped us a lot in building the wood forms while Director Friedrick checked the stability of the sculpture. |
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Observations and Analysis |
| Even with a 180-degree flip, we have tried to make sure the sand sculpture would stay it place even with having to fight that 9.8m/s/s of gravitational force... |
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Discussion of Results |
| Isn't it great? |
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Instructors |
| Joe Liles, Bryant Holsenbeck, and Elizabeth Moorman |
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Credits |
| T. Edwin Moore, AIA, from Raleigh,
NC
President of Moore & Burton Architects, PA Member of the American Institute of Architects Head of the Sandy Feat sand sculpture group Ed Moore has taught sand sculpture classes at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores; won numerous sand sculpture contests at Va. Beach, Atlantic Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Atlanta; participated in the world Championships in British Columbia and sculpted with master sand sculptors from Florida to California; built sand sculptures for festivals, State Fairs and numerous activities and special events.
Participants |
| 200 or so students from NCSSM |
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Date |
| Tuesday, April 28, 1998 |
| After the celebration of President Broad's inauguration with the sand sculpture, Broad Street has been temporarily renamed "Molly Corbett Broad Way" and the new sign was installed at 12:15 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 1998 near the NCSSM spherical school sign. Also in celebration a group of singers performed a modified version of "Give My Regards to Broad Way." |
Conclusion |
| Ok, now we are planning on to expand our campus with
sand...
Hey, it's easier than conventional methods . . . |
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page created by Danny Leung '99 |
