Group 4 Collaborative Project (Part 1)

Grade 12

As the trial exams come to an end the DP2s get into prep for their Group 4 project. A trip to Atlantis, Aquaventure waterpark, a break from trial exams but a place to experiment with pH levels, heart rates, and SPFs. The group, "Frat House" with Jeeya, Sophia, Gleni, Daniella, Aalia, Lara, and Ernesto focused on investigating how the concentration of zinc oxide found in sunscreen, affects the efficiency against UV light rays. The group had members from different sciences such as biology, chemistry, design technology, and computer science allowing everyone to put forward their learning from their individual subjects. The group spent the previous day making up their different scented sunscreens that ranged in different zinc oxide percentages, names such as "Vanilla Who", and "Orange Blossom" were given to their products. They displayed their creative and critical thinking side. At the waterpark, they spent time collecting chlorine water and using UV light beads that change color based on the strength of the UV light present in the sun. The group successfully recorded their data and video for the IB which led to them enjoying their time on the rides across the park. 

Group 4 Collaborative Project (Part 2)

Grade 12

This academic year, the  Group 4 project presented an exciting and fresh opportunity to explore aspects of the sciences through the lens of a real life scenario while working collaboratively. This project  allowed us to delve deeper into areas of our syllabus in addition to giving us new, interdisciplinary knowledge that expanded our understanding of the world. I am proud to say that my group consisting of James, Dhruv, Artin, Rohan, Anshi, Teagan and myself took full advantage of this chance. During our trip to the Atlantis waterpark, we set out to analyze the full  composition of the chlorinated pool water, and determine whether our findings align with that of the official recommendations from the Dubai Municipality. Our process encompassed a distillation procedure known as the Kjedahl method, which involved using a stoppered boiling flask connected to distillation tubing into a condenser connected to a erlenmeyer flask. This was completely foreign and new to us, which meant there was a steep learning curve which was compounded by the fact that we were unfamiliar with a lot of the compounds involved. However, the experience was rewarding and the knowledge we gained was incredibly valuable. 

By,

Mischa Sahgal, 12B