Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Our Portuguese friends visited us

We were visited by a group of Portuguese students from Loulé. They arrived at Torneo petrol station without having breakfast. So the first thing we did after introducing was precisely to go to a bar and had breakfast. At first it was a little difficult to get into contact but after a few minutes we began to speak with them.

Walking down Alfonso XII street we arrived at the Museun Square where some students told them about this historical place including the statue of our famous painter Murillo; it was funny because some of them understood "Mourinho" and we all laughed. Then, we continued to the Silencio church, where other students explained them briefly about the brotherhood.

As they wanted to know where to buy some presents, we told them they were just in the center of the town and showed them Duque square. Finally, after this tour, we went into the school. Sister Cocha and Marisol were waiting to greet them. Alexander, their teacher asked me about our school and the Spanish educational system , although he knew a lot because he had been working in a Spanish school for a short period of time.

Manu was at the Concert Hall (salón de actos) to share our experiments. It was perhaps the best part; that is to say, both groups joined by the same idea: Funny experiments connecting us.

After the experiments in our school, we began our little tour of about one hour and a half starting in Sierpes street and walking around the main commercial axis downtown. Then we reached Plaza de San Francisco and Seville’s immense cathedral. We had a fantastic view of La Giralda from Plaza de la Virgen de los Reyes, where we took some pictures.

We surrounded the old walls of the Álcazar until we finally entered Santa Cruz quarter (old Jewish neighbourhood with very narrow streets). From Plaza de Santa Cruz we arrived at the famous Plaza de Doña Elvira. After a short walk along Callejón del Agua and Murillo’s gardens, we found Seville University.

Finally we walked our way back arriving at Plaza Nueva, the city’s principal public square, until we finally reached Plaza de la Campana again, where Portuguese students were left to have lunch at a fast food place.

Alexander was explaining us that secondary education courses in Portugal have a duration of three years, corresponding to the 10th, 11th and 12th grades, and is open to students who have obtained the basic education certificate. Attendance to these courses is optional. Usually, students are aged between fifteen and seventeen.

There is a variety of secondary education options available to students. They can choose between courses aimed primarily at those seeking to enter the job market (technology courses) and others for those hoping to continue on to higher education (general courses).

All courses contain a technical, technological and vocational element, as well as Portuguese language and culture, in accordance with the general thrust of the course, and students are able to cross from one course to another. The curriculum is divided into subjects, with one teacher, in principle, for each subject.

Retained in the sand

En español:

In English:

Candle & jar

Experiment from Ania&Jessika

Necessry components:
plate, water, small candle, glass vessel (example a jar), matches
Description of the method of execution:
We pour water to the plate. In the middle ofthe plate we put a candle and light it.We cover the burning candle with the jar so that the outlet is submereged in water. We wait until the candle goes out (oxygen consumption as a result of burning of the candle) observing the water level rising in the jar.
Explanation:
During the burning of the candle oxygenis consumed. Oxygen is strictly reqired for combuston, so after firing up the oxygen in the jar candle goes out. Lack of oxygen in the jar is the cause of the underpressure in the jar. Due to the pressure difference between pressure in the jar and the atmosphere(which is greater), water is pulled into the interior of the jar.
In addition, burning the candle heats the gasinside the jar. The heated air expands while increasing the pressureinside the jar. Due to the pressure difference (between the gas pressure inside the jar and atmospheric pressure) of air comes out of the jar. After the candle goes out the gas temperaturein the jar gradually decreases, causin reduction in pressure in the jar and pulls the water inside.

Candle flame

Experiment from Ania&Jessika

Necessary components:
candle, funnel, matches
Description of the method of execution:
Light a candle. Blowing vigorously through the funnel next to a candle flame. Flame leans toward the blast.
Explanation:
Blowing next to a candle flame produces a stream of air. The air pressure outside the stream is greater than in its interior. The difference in pressure causes the outer layers of air movement toward the interior of the stream. Candle flame bends as indicating the direction of the resultant air movement.

Air in your lungs

For my experiment we need: a big plastic bottle, a big box and a hose.

Fill the bottle with water, close the neck of the bottle with your finger and put the bottle upside down into the box with water. Then push the hose into the bottle and blow into the hose as long as you are able without aspiration. Now you can see how much air you have in your lungs.