Narrative Essay
I had never heard about these so called "Geissler Tubes." My teacher, Mr. G, briefly explained that the science behind neon lights was because of these "magical tubes." At first, I was wary of the high voltage I had to use for my project. Mr G. warned me about the Tesla coil's potential.
"Be careful! This can really zap you, and it's not fun," He warned.
"C'mon sir, you can trust me," I replied.
He furrowed his eyebrows saying, "I hope I can! I know you're responsible enough."
Responsible. The Geissler Tubes, mad out of glass with compressed air inside them, was now my responsibility. I felt apprehensive about the whole idea because I'm quite clumsy. I knew that for the next few weeks, someone not as clumsy as I had to carry the tubes when I had to test them. As for the Tesla coil, I think it's common sense not to get near the tip because of its high voltage potential.
Before getting to work with the real thing, I made some research about the subject. As it turns out, I had seen these Geissler Tubes before in an earlier science class! Geissler Tubes is the generic name given to tubes containing compressed air. In my previous science course, I had learned about the cathode ray tube which was a derivative of an earlier Geissler Tube.
Scientists had no idea about the existence of electrons before these tubes. Micheal Faraday discovered that when the pressure inside the tube was low enough, the tube would start to glow. When they researched deeper, they found that the rays being emitted through the anode and the cathode would be reflected when a magnet was brought closer. These tubes went through many improvements such as being able to get lower pressures and place various gasses inside them.
"Alright guys! I'll be here Tuesdays and Thursdays after school if you'd like to work on your project!" Mr. G announced to the class probably for the fifth time this day. Then he turned to me and asked, "Dree, when are you going to start testing the tubes?"
"Umm..." I stalled. I wasn't looking forward to working with glass anytime soon.
"C'mon, you can do it! I'll be here after school, I'm sure you won't break anything!" he assured me.
That day I stayed after school; It was time for the "hands-on" part of the project. Other students were excited experimenting with their projects, eager to learn more. I, on the other hand, was having a difficult time setting up. I didn't want to drop anything so I decided to set up on the table that was closest to the cabinet where my materials were at. One by one, I was setting up the tubes descending in pressure so that I could be able to notice the differences.
About ten minutes later, I was good to go. I had everything ready: tubes were set up and I had the Tesla coil in my hand. Isn't this suppose to be connected somewhere? I looked around and there was no outlet in sight. I groaned in frustration, knowing I had to switch to another table. I looked around and, to my relief, the next table with an outlet near by was about seven steps away. Seven faithful steps. Si se puede! I thought to myself keeping calm.
I took the Tesla coil over to the next table first. On my way back to get the tubes, I made sure there weren't any stools in my way. I picked up the stand that had the Geissler Tubes set up with great care. I took a step, looking down at the tubes, and nothing happened. Breathe. Another step. Look down. Look up. Breathe. Another step. Look down. Look up. Breathe. Another step. Look down. Look up. Breathe. Another step. Look down. Look up. Breathe. Another step. Look down. Look up. One more step.
I finally reached the other table! I carefully set down the stand, hoping it wouldn't fall now and thankfully it didn't! I did it! To busy dancing my mini-victory dance, I had not noticed that the rest of the class was watching. I immediately stopped and felt my face get as hot as the sun.
"Are you okay?" Mr. G asked
"Yeah... of course... totally...," I stammered, "I'm... I'll just start working on my project."
Success was finally mine. Day 1 and I didn't break anything; it was a good way to start of my PBL project.