SMArt Workshops
There will be four parallel workshops during Day 1 of the programme and one workshop on Day 2. Each participant will attend one of the four workshops on Day 1 and attend Worskshop 2 with all other participants on Day 2.
Day 1 (16/1/2016 at HKU)
Workshop 1A. Making Artistic Ceramics For Fun and Practical Use
  |
Ceramics is an old material used by ancient people more than ten thousand years ago and it is still a part of our everyday lives. Pottery is one good example that a ceramic item can both be a beautiful work of art and has various functions. So, what ceramics actually is? How ancient people developed techniques to create ceramic objects? Is there science behind these processes? In this workshop, you will explore answers to these questions and have an opportunity to work with your creative team members to construct an artistic ceramic object with applications that would only be limited by your imagination.
Workshop 1B. Liquid Magnet and Water-hating Super Coatings
  |
Magnet is a very common thing but it is not usual for us to see magnet in liquid form, which is called ferrofluid. Ferrofluid is a liquid metal solution that can be strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field and, in fact, has been widely used in electronic devices and mechanical and aerospace applications. Considering another liquid, water, it can behave very differently on different surfaces, for instance, on paper versus on a lotus leaf. The anti-wetting (water-hating or superhydrophobic) properties of lotus leafs has actually driven the development of self-cleaning coatings. Do you want to make your own liquid magnet and water-hating super coating? In this workshop, in addition to learning the science behind the amazing properties of ferrofluid and superhydrophobic surfaces, you will also be able to make your own artwork based on them.
Workshop 1C. The Sweet Adventure: Creating Your Own Sugar Art
  |
Sugar, being a luxury as recent as the 18th century, is now a common treat throughout the world. Without the multiple roles played by sugar, desserts and confectionery products would never be the same. Even when existing in its pure form, sugar is more diversified in shape and texture than one can ever imagine – ranging from hard candy and blown sugar to cotton candy, Dragon's beard candy and more. What makes sugar so multifaceted? This workshop will walk you through the hidden science of sugar, and participants will have the chance to turn sugar, in its multiple forms, into a masterpiece of fine art!
Workshop 1D. PinHoleCam-ology: DIY Camera Fold-and-go
 |
Nowadays, digital photo taking is just a matter of click and save by a black box. We have almost forgotten that the principle behind a camera could be so simple. By building a pinhole camera, taking pictures and processing films all on your own, we will go through an enjoyable journey from the science of camera to the art of photography. Ever think about building your own priceless camera to take priceless photos? PinHoleCam-ology is for you! |
Day 2 (17/1/2016 at Hong Kong Science Park)
Workshop 2. Building the Largest Balloon Pyramid
 |
Fractal is a natural
phenomenon which demonstrates self-similar pattern. This
pattern can be found in:
Plants: pineapple, Romanesco broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
Human body:
heart rates, heart beats, DNA, blood vessels, pulmonary
vessels, branching of tracheal tubes, proteins
Nature:
mountain ranges, craters, coastlines, snowflakes, ocean
waves, rings of Saturn
Fractal often describes the real world better than traditional science. It helps to
understand the complex chaotic dynamic systems. Students
will learn in the lecture about the properties of
fractal and its scientific application.
In addition, students will build a fractal -- Sierpinski tetrahedron using balloons. Through this hands-on experience, students will understand the self-similarity property of fractal.