Newtown High School's Science department is involved in an international exchange program, collaborating with South Korean high school students from various regions. A group of 24 Newtown High School students has been divided into five teams, each focusing on different science subjects. These groups work together to prepare presentations for the National Science Festival in Seoul, South Korea, using Zoom or in-person meetings to work on projects. The program will take place from December 13 through December 22. The two teachers chaperoning the trip are Timothy DeJulio and Susan MccConnell.
“Some Newtown High School students are going to South Korea, while some South Korean students are coming here,” NHS Science Teacher Timothy Dejulio said.
Each team is paired with a different school from South Korea to research different science projects, with the exception of Incheon Academy of Science and Arts, which is paired twice with NHS groups one and two. Team one, which collaborates with Ulsan Science High School, is working on examining the decomposition effect of enzymes by oxybenzone concentration.
Team two, partnering with Incheon Academy of Science and Arts, is investigating the removal of fine dust using phytobiome.
Team three, working with Incheon Academy of Science and Arts, is exploring the effectiveness of artificial flowers in attracting Apis Mellifera. Team four, in collaboration with Daegu Science High School, is studying A C.N.N.- based classification of gait disorder and posture, with focus on CNS lesion site prediction. Team five, in conjunction with Gyeonggibuk Science High School, is researching a comparative study on the mathematical approach of Western and Eastern music based on the analysis of mathematical principles in Korean traditional instruments Geomungo or North American instruments.
“With the project starting in August, it didn’t really give us a lot of time to prepare. The information was sent out over the summer, but it was difficult to reach students because they aren’t checking their emails over the summer. We eventually received 24 students willing to attend the program, but only around half could go because of money concerns and timing.” Dejulio said.
Although some students are not able to attend the trip to South Korea, all 24 are working on the project.
“I think it’s a great opportunity. I get to connect with people around the world that I wouldn’t get to otherwise,” NHS junior Marty Dunn said.