Hallo whiz kids
Are your brains still struggling to shake off the 4-week hibernation? Shame, they’re probably ravenous as well! HIP2B² has cooked up a storm and created scrumptious April menu that will satisfy even the pickiest brain – so don’t worry, no broccoli and cabbage this month. We decided you should rather feast on our mind-boggling features and hip events (which goes rather well with the ‘(Don’t) do this at home experiments’).
So, without further ado – Bon appetit!
Hot Topic: The Pot Plant Helpline
Scientists have devised that pot plants can have a hotline to your mobile. Is this cause for celebration? Do you really want Mr Leafy to phone you up during your Math exam or rugby practice?
The project called Botanicall (cute!) was developed by a team of postgraduates from New York University. It’s a simple moisture sensor which sends info down a wireless network to a gateway.
If the plant is gasping for its last breath of air, the gate opens to patch through a call to your mobile number.
Instant re-leaf for your shrubby buddy.
Here’s the full scoop...
Making headlines: The Second Big Bang
A second Big Bang is scheduled for July this year... This R66 billion science experiment is underway 1 kilometre below the Alpine foothills.
The Large Hadron Collider is a new particle accelerator designed to unlock the secrets of how the universe started. Able to generate temperatures of more than a trillion degrees centigrade, scientists will use it to recreate the conditions that existed just a fraction of a second after the birth of the universe. They will then send atoms smashing into each other.
Some fear this experiment could potentially destroy the planet by creating a black hole (gulp!)...
Before you start panicking, why don’t you read the full article or watch the footage of the world’s largest particle collider.
About town: Making National Science Week even hipper!
Take out your diaries immediately and jot down “Fun” on 12 May 2008. HIP2B² is hosting an amazing event during National Science Week at Northcliff High School, St Mary’s High and Stellenberg High.
Ever watched Amazing Race? If you have, you’ll have an idea of what we are going to do… but with a science twist!
So what’s it all about? Within 3 hours, teams nationwide will have to complete a variety of tasks, riddles and problems using the HIP2B² magazine, website and TV show for clues. With more than 600 people competing in the battle, this will be one to watch (that is, if you’re not already competing!)
For more information on iThink HIP2B², contact Lizelle at (021) 976 3366 or lizelle@edukwanda.co.za.
The (Don’t) Do This At Home Experiments: How to power your iPod with a lemon
No, we’re NOT pulling your leg on this one. The next time Eskom decides to cut the power, just hurry to your nearest fruit bowl, grab a lemon and you’ll be listening to Akon in no time.
Just follow these zesty instructions...
Hip Stuff: A few HIP2B² side-dishes…
Beckham or Bill Gates … a vaccine for HIV or a voyage to Mars? We want to know your thoughts on the future of science and maths and whether or not they’re subjects worth studying. Tell us and stand the chance to win a HIP2B² MP3 player! Or you could tell us "What makes you go Mmm...?" and win a R500 Clover Voucher.
This month the TV team lose weight without exercise (no jokes!), use a waterless toilet (gross!), stay in an alien vegetation hut (no aliens were present during this exercise) and capture the last rays of sunlight. Join them at 16h30, Mondays on SABC 2 – we know you want to. Here’s your April TV schedule…
True or false: Humans are getting smarter? Go frontside 360 and use Maths to build your own skateboard ramp. The path of pain from toe to brain. Curious? Get your new HIP2B² mag - the Intelligence Issue!
Stuffed? No? Better keep your eyes on all things HIP2B² then - we have tons more on the menu. Remember to keep us posted on your ideas and inspirations. We need to create a May menu soon, so email us at talk2us@hip2b2.com – we’re all ears!
(Chef) Nina
The HIP2B² team