What's New and Exciting...
See what Grassroots members are doing in North Carolina and elsewhere.
See what Grassroots members are doing in North Carolina and elsewhere.
North Carolina Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative Dr. Fran Nolan, Executive Director c/o North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 11 West Jones Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1029 919.733.7450 Extension 260 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
The North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (SMT Center) is sponsoring a delegation
from North Carolina to attend the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition. The Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative,
headed by Fran Nolan, is coordinating the trip. The group will be in Beijing, China March 18 – 25.
The student members presenting their science projects in the international exhibit will be:
Mark Hendrick, Jr. Senior from Northwest Guilford High School, of Guilford County, NC
Melanie Wiley, Senior from the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics of Burlington, NC
Kyle O’Donnell from Southwest Guilford High School, of Guilford County; NC
Brandon Young, Junior from Enloe High School of Wake County, NC
from North Carolina to attend the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition. The Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative,
headed by Fran Nolan, is coordinating the trip. The group will be in Beijing, China March 18 – 25.
The student members presenting their science projects in the international exhibit will be:
Mark Hendrick, Jr. Senior from Northwest Guilford High School, of Guilford County, NC
Melanie Wiley, Senior from the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics of Burlington, NC
Kyle O’Donnell from Southwest Guilford High School, of Guilford County; NC
Brandon Young, Junior from Enloe High School of Wake County, NC
Mark Hendrick is a seventeen year old high school student living in North Carolina with his parents
and four sisters, one older and three younger. He was the AP physics student of the year for his
school in 2007. Though Mark had always been interested in engineering, it was his physics class
that finally solidified his decision to go into the engineering field. Mark also gained the rank of
Eagle Scout during 2007. This was a great accomplishment for him especially since he did it
without his father who had been deployed to Kuwait in the summer of 2006. His father returned
home safely in the summer of 2007. Today Mark stays busy by being an active member of his
school’s Science Olympiad team (he will compete in the state competition in April), being the co-
president of the Spanish Club, and being the drummer in a rock band he and his friends formed.
He is also enrolled in several AP courses and spends hours each night doing homework.
and four sisters, one older and three younger. He was the AP physics student of the year for his
school in 2007. Though Mark had always been interested in engineering, it was his physics class
that finally solidified his decision to go into the engineering field. Mark also gained the rank of
Eagle Scout during 2007. This was a great accomplishment for him especially since he did it
without his father who had been deployed to Kuwait in the summer of 2006. His father returned
home safely in the summer of 2007. Today Mark stays busy by being an active member of his
school’s Science Olympiad team (he will compete in the state competition in April), being the co-
president of the Spanish Club, and being the drummer in a rock band he and his friends formed.
He is also enrolled in several AP courses and spends hours each night doing homework.
Brandon Young is a sixteen year old junior at William G. Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina who
loves Math and Science. Last year, Brandon was appointed by Governor Michael Easley as one of two
student advisors to the North Carolina State Board of Education. He has participated in medical programs
such as Duke TIP and Wake AHEC where he dissected a sheep’s heart and witnessed the autopsy of a cat.
Brandon is a member of the National Honor Society and the Enloe High School varsity football team, further
proving that not all football players are more brawn than brains.
loves Math and Science. Last year, Brandon was appointed by Governor Michael Easley as one of two
student advisors to the North Carolina State Board of Education. He has participated in medical programs
such as Duke TIP and Wake AHEC where he dissected a sheep’s heart and witnessed the autopsy of a cat.
Brandon is a member of the National Honor Society and the Enloe High School varsity football team, further
proving that not all football players are more brawn than brains.
Kyle O’Donnell, Eagle Scout and honors student at Southwest Guilford High School, continually
seeks larger challenges. In addition to a heavy course load, he is actively involved in his church,
scouting, FIRST Robotics, marching band, and medical explorers. During his little spare time, he
loves restoring his 1979 Firebird and spending time with his friends. Kyle takes charge of each
day, leads it, shapes it, and never loses sight of goals or dreams.
seeks larger challenges. In addition to a heavy course load, he is actively involved in his church,
scouting, FIRST Robotics, marching band, and medical explorers. During his little spare time, he
loves restoring his 1979 Firebird and spending time with his friends. Kyle takes charge of each
day, leads it, shapes it, and never loses sight of goals or dreams.
Melanie Wiley is a senior at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in
Durham, NC where she is a Student Ambassador. She is an only child and resides in Burlington, NC
with her mother, Wanda Moore. Melanie researched a protein involved in Parkinson’s disease at
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through the North Carolina Project SEED summer
program and the Mentorship program at NCSSM. She presented her research at the 2007 North
Carolina Alliance to Create Opportunity through Education Alliance Day, and at the 2007 State of
North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. Melanie also represented her
school at the 2007 National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science, and
Technology Student Conference. She enjoys being active in her school community as a senior
leader on the basketball team and track & field team; She is also a member of the orchestra as a
violinist. In the Burlington community, Melanie is a volunteer at the Claire Bridge rest home for
people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, an active member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, and
an entrepreneur who started her own baking business.
Durham, NC where she is a Student Ambassador. She is an only child and resides in Burlington, NC
with her mother, Wanda Moore. Melanie researched a protein involved in Parkinson’s disease at
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through the North Carolina Project SEED summer
program and the Mentorship program at NCSSM. She presented her research at the 2007 North
Carolina Alliance to Create Opportunity through Education Alliance Day, and at the 2007 State of
North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. Melanie also represented her
school at the 2007 National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science, and
Technology Student Conference. She enjoys being active in her school community as a senior
leader on the basketball team and track & field team; She is also a member of the orchestra as a
violinist. In the Burlington community, Melanie is a volunteer at the Claire Bridge rest home for
people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, an active member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, and
an entrepreneur who started her own baking business.
Day One, The Eagle has landed!
Fran Nolan
The USA delegation arrived in Beijing after a thirteen hour flight on March 19,208. After a merciful nights rest, the
students visited a Beijing science museum while the adults attended the annual BAST science symposium. The guest
of honor included Representative Debbie Clary and Senator AB Swindell. Successful lectures were presented by Ruth
Haas, Karl McKinnon and Fran Nolan.
Kyle O’Donnell – Blog Entry Day #1
Quote of the day – "We are in a global village."
While on the incredibly long flight to Beijing, I realize that technology shrinks the world to small, diverse community.
Several years in the future, there I will be in direct competition with any of the youth on this plane. Although this flight
is going to Beijing, I refrain from using the word Chinese youth in the previous sentence because it would not be an
accurate depiction of the diversity on this aircraft or the competition within the job market.
The man sitting next to me is incredibly interesting. Although his family is from India, his international company
sends him around the world to manage the complex logistics of supply and demand, created by this company’s
multinational sales and manufacturing. Yet, this business model is the most productive than nationally bound models.
By accessing more markets and expanding the target audience to a global scale, the company has greater room to
expand. Although his company’s headquarters is located in an individual country, local management makes decisions
across many countries and languages, making the company truly global and diversified.
Communication is the catalyst that accelerates global expansion, which prevails across international boarders
and language barriers. As the internet reaches increasingly more individuals, new users create more user-generated
content. This content is generally devoid of sensor and accelerates the shrinking of the world down to a global village
by spreading ideas and concepts quickly. For instance in 2007, the website YouTube.com transmitted more data than
the entire internet did in 2000, which allows people to view content generated by other users. Although we have been
able to fly across countries for decades, ideas have not traveled as fast as they do now with the internet. With
widespread connection to the internet, we can stay in contact with virtually any foreign student we meet at the Beijing
Youth Science Creation Competition. Any of the students we meet during the competition has the potential to be a
future coworker within an international company.
The world is growing smaller as ideas, people and goods travel faster across the globe. Although no one knows
what the future has in store, it is clear that the world of tomorrow will be much like the internationally interconnected
world of today. Except, the atlas of tomorrow will show more internationally diverse employees and companies.
Although it may seem pertinent to ask, “What could happen in a world where fewer boundaries to employment,
commerce and information exist?” A better question is, “What cannot be accomplished in a world where people and
concepts flow freely between huts in a global village?
Brandon Young - Blog Entry Day #1
Today was our first day in which we were able to compare our work with the other students from around the world.
So far, we have collaborated with Australia, Denmark, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Chinese students.
Most of their projects somehow deal with problems that they face locally, trying to make their lives at home more
appropriate for living. In addition, this morning we visited the Capital Museum, where we experienced some of the
Chinese culture from the Ming and Qing dynasty. We were able to view porcelain objects about their culture. The
Chinese way of live is obviously different and changing. They are rapidly trying to advance to get ready for the
Olympics and make sure that Beijing will be acceptable for this international competition.
Mark Hendrick – Blog Entry Day #1
After a 14-hour flight from Newark, we finally arrived in Beijing. The time change made the first day a very tired and
sleepy one, but the extreme languor made sleeping on the surprisingly firm beds very easy. On the second day, we
first visited the Capital Museum. There we were able to learn much about Chinese heritage and see many different
porcelain artifacts. We also got a chance to look in the gift shop at the museum. The Olympic Games had many
souvenirs dedicated to them. It was very apparent that Beijing was incredibly thankful to be hosting the Olympics this
year. Next, we traveled to the No. 80 middle school to set up our projects. All the other delegations were there as well,
so we were able to meet and talk with many different foreign delegates. We were also able to view some of the
projects done by Beijing students. This trip has already been a great experience and I cannot wait to see what else it
has in store.
Melanie Wiley – Blog Entry Day #1
This morning I woke up at 6:30am and ate breakfast with the American delegation and two Chinese University students
who are our translators while we are in China.
Two adults from the American delegation gave a seminar on science education while the rest of the delegation visited
the Capital Museum. My section of the museum was the exhibit of the porcelain artifacts from different dynasties of
China.
After returning to the hotel for lunch, everyone road the bus to the No. 80 Middle School to set posters in preparation
for Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition presentations. I met students from across the world and was able to
hear a few research presentations. A student from Denmark completed a project to help prevent bicycle accidents.
Another student from Ukraine researched the water quality in a major river by studying the plant and animal life. I have
enjoyed my stay in Beijing and look forward to visiting the Olympic venues tomorrow.
The USA delegation arrived in Beijing after a thirteen hour flight on March 19,208. After a merciful nights rest, the
students visited a Beijing science museum while the adults attended the annual BAST science symposium. The guest
of honor included Representative Debbie Clary and Senator AB Swindell. Successful lectures were presented by Ruth
Haas, Karl McKinnon and Fran Nolan.
Kyle O’Donnell – Blog Entry Day #1
Quote of the day – "We are in a global village."
While on the incredibly long flight to Beijing, I realize that technology shrinks the world to small, diverse community.
Several years in the future, there I will be in direct competition with any of the youth on this plane. Although this flight
is going to Beijing, I refrain from using the word Chinese youth in the previous sentence because it would not be an
accurate depiction of the diversity on this aircraft or the competition within the job market.
The man sitting next to me is incredibly interesting. Although his family is from India, his international company
sends him around the world to manage the complex logistics of supply and demand, created by this company’s
multinational sales and manufacturing. Yet, this business model is the most productive than nationally bound models.
By accessing more markets and expanding the target audience to a global scale, the company has greater room to
expand. Although his company’s headquarters is located in an individual country, local management makes decisions
across many countries and languages, making the company truly global and diversified.
Communication is the catalyst that accelerates global expansion, which prevails across international boarders
and language barriers. As the internet reaches increasingly more individuals, new users create more user-generated
content. This content is generally devoid of sensor and accelerates the shrinking of the world down to a global village
by spreading ideas and concepts quickly. For instance in 2007, the website YouTube.com transmitted more data than
the entire internet did in 2000, which allows people to view content generated by other users. Although we have been
able to fly across countries for decades, ideas have not traveled as fast as they do now with the internet. With
widespread connection to the internet, we can stay in contact with virtually any foreign student we meet at the Beijing
Youth Science Creation Competition. Any of the students we meet during the competition has the potential to be a
future coworker within an international company.
The world is growing smaller as ideas, people and goods travel faster across the globe. Although no one knows
what the future has in store, it is clear that the world of tomorrow will be much like the internationally interconnected
world of today. Except, the atlas of tomorrow will show more internationally diverse employees and companies.
Although it may seem pertinent to ask, “What could happen in a world where fewer boundaries to employment,
commerce and information exist?” A better question is, “What cannot be accomplished in a world where people and
concepts flow freely between huts in a global village?
Brandon Young - Blog Entry Day #1
Today was our first day in which we were able to compare our work with the other students from around the world.
So far, we have collaborated with Australia, Denmark, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Chinese students.
Most of their projects somehow deal with problems that they face locally, trying to make their lives at home more
appropriate for living. In addition, this morning we visited the Capital Museum, where we experienced some of the
Chinese culture from the Ming and Qing dynasty. We were able to view porcelain objects about their culture. The
Chinese way of live is obviously different and changing. They are rapidly trying to advance to get ready for the
Olympics and make sure that Beijing will be acceptable for this international competition.
Mark Hendrick – Blog Entry Day #1
After a 14-hour flight from Newark, we finally arrived in Beijing. The time change made the first day a very tired and
sleepy one, but the extreme languor made sleeping on the surprisingly firm beds very easy. On the second day, we
first visited the Capital Museum. There we were able to learn much about Chinese heritage and see many different
porcelain artifacts. We also got a chance to look in the gift shop at the museum. The Olympic Games had many
souvenirs dedicated to them. It was very apparent that Beijing was incredibly thankful to be hosting the Olympics this
year. Next, we traveled to the No. 80 middle school to set up our projects. All the other delegations were there as well,
so we were able to meet and talk with many different foreign delegates. We were also able to view some of the
projects done by Beijing students. This trip has already been a great experience and I cannot wait to see what else it
has in store.
Melanie Wiley – Blog Entry Day #1
This morning I woke up at 6:30am and ate breakfast with the American delegation and two Chinese University students
who are our translators while we are in China.
Two adults from the American delegation gave a seminar on science education while the rest of the delegation visited
the Capital Museum. My section of the museum was the exhibit of the porcelain artifacts from different dynasties of
China.
After returning to the hotel for lunch, everyone road the bus to the No. 80 Middle School to set posters in preparation
for Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition presentations. I met students from across the world and was able to
hear a few research presentations. A student from Denmark completed a project to help prevent bicycle accidents.
Another student from Ukraine researched the water quality in a major river by studying the plant and animal life. I have
enjoyed my stay in Beijing and look forward to visiting the Olympic venues tomorrow.
click for larger images.
Brandon Young-Blog Day #2-March 21, 2008
First thing this morning we had a “church” service with the South African Delegation for Good Friday, which was
very interesting. We were able to view the same religion in different perspectives, which brought a completely new
meaning to unity. After this service, we had our traditional Chinese breakfast, which again was another adventure.
Next, we took a bus tour of the Olympic Venues, which consisted of the Bird’s Nest and the Ice Cube. Both of these
structures were immense and structurally amazing. After that, we sped through traffic to get back to the BAST hotel for
our welcoming party where we received some traditional chopsticks for our gifts. We made our way up to lunch were
we had more amazing food with the delegates from Denmark who had many questions about the way we live. Then,
our extreme bus ride to the Number 80 High School commenced and soon the opening ceremonies would begin.
Unfortunately, they were all speaking in Chinese so we were not able to really experience the true meaning. Last I’m
here now typing this and getting ready to go to bed at only 7:45 boy this time change is killing me!
Mark Hendrick #2 March 21, 2008
Today started off with a Good Friday service hosted by the South African delegation. Afterward we had possibly
the best meal so far. The breakfast included three very edible foods eggs, “cake bread,” and hot milk. After
breakfast, we all piled in the bus and drove by the bird’s nest and the water cube. Then we made our way to the BAST
(Beijing Association of Science and Technology) headquarters for a welcoming ceremony. This was a very formal
ceremony where we were introduced to all the foreign delegates. The next stop was the No. 80 middle school. There
we witnessed an opening ceremony for the BYSCC (Beijing Youth science Creation Competition). This was the most
boring part of our day because we arrived at the auditorium an hour early and then when the ceremony finally began it
was all in Chinese. Finally, we moved into the gym to begin presenting our projects. It was surprisingly fun presenting
our projects to the Chinese people, especially those who did not speak English. For dinner, we had our first meal
outside of a hotel and we were able to meet and talk with the foreign delegates that were staying at the BAST
headquarters (we were not staying at BAST). Everyone was very tired when we arrived at the hotel and I have no
doubt that tonight everyone will sleep well on the hard beds.
Kyle O’Donnell #2
This morning, we attended a small service with the South African delegation. The service was a nice way to begin
Good Friday. While on the bus ride, I enjoyed talking with representatives from our state government. During the
opening ceremony, the organizer of the BYSCC spoke about how the people of Beijing must strive to harmonize
themselves with one another for the upcoming Olympics. The Chinese people are thrilled and proud to be hosting the
Olympics. However, they still have a lot of work to do to prepare the city for the Olympics in a few months.
Melanie Wiley #2 March 21, 2008
The weather today was the opposite for what it usually is this time of year in China. In late March, spring is getting
ready to start. The temperature is warm and the air is dry. This Friday was freezing and humid because of the rain.
This morning started off with a small morning service to recognize Good Friday and the dead of Jesus. The American
delegation was invited by the South African delegation and I read scripture from my Bible and then we sung different
hymns and had a closing prayer. Next was breakfast and a bus ride around the Olympic venues including the national
stadium called the bird’s nest, the national aquatics center called the water cube. Then I met the leaders of the Beijing
Association for Science and Technology in a welcoming banquet. Each delegation introduced themselves and
exchanged gifts with the leaders. After lunch, we saw the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Youth Science
Creation Competition at No. 80 Middle School were we presented our projects to Chinese students and the foreign
delegation. I had the privilege to speak with a biochemistry professor from Ukraine and two leaders of the Beijing
Association for Science and Technology. Yan Chulai and Zhao Yi are the two university students who translate for the
American delegation and help us get around Beijing. Yan Chulai told me that the students in China go to school form 7:
00am until 10:00pm for six days a week. Joey translated my abstract into Chinese and he said it took him over six
hours. I told home “sie sie”, which means thank you in Chinese. this made it easier for me share my project with other
Chinese people who spoke little English. Besides dinner, this concluded the activities for the day and all of the
delegations returned to their hotels.
First thing this morning we had a “church” service with the South African Delegation for Good Friday, which was
very interesting. We were able to view the same religion in different perspectives, which brought a completely new
meaning to unity. After this service, we had our traditional Chinese breakfast, which again was another adventure.
Next, we took a bus tour of the Olympic Venues, which consisted of the Bird’s Nest and the Ice Cube. Both of these
structures were immense and structurally amazing. After that, we sped through traffic to get back to the BAST hotel for
our welcoming party where we received some traditional chopsticks for our gifts. We made our way up to lunch were
we had more amazing food with the delegates from Denmark who had many questions about the way we live. Then,
our extreme bus ride to the Number 80 High School commenced and soon the opening ceremonies would begin.
Unfortunately, they were all speaking in Chinese so we were not able to really experience the true meaning. Last I’m
here now typing this and getting ready to go to bed at only 7:45 boy this time change is killing me!
Mark Hendrick #2 March 21, 2008
Today started off with a Good Friday service hosted by the South African delegation. Afterward we had possibly
the best meal so far. The breakfast included three very edible foods eggs, “cake bread,” and hot milk. After
breakfast, we all piled in the bus and drove by the bird’s nest and the water cube. Then we made our way to the BAST
(Beijing Association of Science and Technology) headquarters for a welcoming ceremony. This was a very formal
ceremony where we were introduced to all the foreign delegates. The next stop was the No. 80 middle school. There
we witnessed an opening ceremony for the BYSCC (Beijing Youth science Creation Competition). This was the most
boring part of our day because we arrived at the auditorium an hour early and then when the ceremony finally began it
was all in Chinese. Finally, we moved into the gym to begin presenting our projects. It was surprisingly fun presenting
our projects to the Chinese people, especially those who did not speak English. For dinner, we had our first meal
outside of a hotel and we were able to meet and talk with the foreign delegates that were staying at the BAST
headquarters (we were not staying at BAST). Everyone was very tired when we arrived at the hotel and I have no
doubt that tonight everyone will sleep well on the hard beds.
Kyle O’Donnell #2
This morning, we attended a small service with the South African delegation. The service was a nice way to begin
Good Friday. While on the bus ride, I enjoyed talking with representatives from our state government. During the
opening ceremony, the organizer of the BYSCC spoke about how the people of Beijing must strive to harmonize
themselves with one another for the upcoming Olympics. The Chinese people are thrilled and proud to be hosting the
Olympics. However, they still have a lot of work to do to prepare the city for the Olympics in a few months.
Melanie Wiley #2 March 21, 2008
The weather today was the opposite for what it usually is this time of year in China. In late March, spring is getting
ready to start. The temperature is warm and the air is dry. This Friday was freezing and humid because of the rain.
This morning started off with a small morning service to recognize Good Friday and the dead of Jesus. The American
delegation was invited by the South African delegation and I read scripture from my Bible and then we sung different
hymns and had a closing prayer. Next was breakfast and a bus ride around the Olympic venues including the national
stadium called the bird’s nest, the national aquatics center called the water cube. Then I met the leaders of the Beijing
Association for Science and Technology in a welcoming banquet. Each delegation introduced themselves and
exchanged gifts with the leaders. After lunch, we saw the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Youth Science
Creation Competition at No. 80 Middle School were we presented our projects to Chinese students and the foreign
delegation. I had the privilege to speak with a biochemistry professor from Ukraine and two leaders of the Beijing
Association for Science and Technology. Yan Chulai and Zhao Yi are the two university students who translate for the
American delegation and help us get around Beijing. Yan Chulai told me that the students in China go to school form 7:
00am until 10:00pm for six days a week. Joey translated my abstract into Chinese and he said it took him over six
hours. I told home “sie sie”, which means thank you in Chinese. this made it easier for me share my project with other
Chinese people who spoke little English. Besides dinner, this concluded the activities for the day and all of the
delegations returned to their hotels.
Day Two,
Kyle O’Donnell #3
A distinctive difference exists between the North Carolina State Science Fair and the Beijing Youth Science Creation
Competition. Although the only Chinese students for this competition come from Beijing, over ten thousand students
from Beijing carried out science research. Most of the students performed applied science research and were
passionate about science research. They like to use science to solve problems that they encounter in their every day
life. Also, most of the projects took over a year or more to complete. There was great energy at the competition and
the air was excited with the trill of competition. In comparison, I was the only Environmental Science Entrant for
Guilford County School.
Mark Hendrick Blog #3
Today was possible the best day so far. After eating breakfast, we went straight to No. 80 middle school to present
our projects. We presented our projects for about two and a half hours before eating lunch. After lunch, we
presented for about another 3 hours. Presenting our projects was especially fun today because it was very crowded
and people were always looking at your poster or asking you to take a picture with them. During this time, I also gave
out some American candy and that attracted many small Chinese children and made them very happy. After we
finished presenting our projects, we went to the multicultural performance. There we saw performances from all the
delegations as well as performances by young Chinese children (we did the Hokey Pokey). I was very impressed with
many of the Chinese performances and could hardly believe that the children were as young as they were. The show
ended at about 9:00 and everyone was very disappointed when Fran told us we still had to write our blog. Usually we
go to bed around 8:00 but it is now 10:20 pm and I am still writing this blog. I hope I will be able to wake up in the
morning.
A distinctive difference exists between the North Carolina State Science Fair and the Beijing Youth Science Creation
Competition. Although the only Chinese students for this competition come from Beijing, over ten thousand students
from Beijing carried out science research. Most of the students performed applied science research and were
passionate about science research. They like to use science to solve problems that they encounter in their every day
life. Also, most of the projects took over a year or more to complete. There was great energy at the competition and
the air was excited with the trill of competition. In comparison, I was the only Environmental Science Entrant for
Guilford County School.
Mark Hendrick Blog #3
Today was possible the best day so far. After eating breakfast, we went straight to No. 80 middle school to present
our projects. We presented our projects for about two and a half hours before eating lunch. After lunch, we
presented for about another 3 hours. Presenting our projects was especially fun today because it was very crowded
and people were always looking at your poster or asking you to take a picture with them. During this time, I also gave
out some American candy and that attracted many small Chinese children and made them very happy. After we
finished presenting our projects, we went to the multicultural performance. There we saw performances from all the
delegations as well as performances by young Chinese children (we did the Hokey Pokey). I was very impressed with
many of the Chinese performances and could hardly believe that the children were as young as they were. The show
ended at about 9:00 and everyone was very disappointed when Fran told us we still had to write our blog. Usually we
go to bed around 8:00 but it is now 10:20 pm and I am still writing this blog. I hope I will be able to wake up in the
morning.
Day Two,
Day Three,
Last daily blog for Kyle O’Donnell
Ever country has its great iconic image that is instantly recognizable. Eifel Tower is French, Statue of Liberty is American
and the Great Wall is Chinese. Before riding a bus into the mountains of China, I never fully grasped the massive size of
the Great Wall. The impressive structure snakes its way elegantly over the peak of the mountain range, presenting a
nearly impossible obstacle for any Mongol army. At the Great wall, James, our Chinese college student friend, said that, “it’
s a myth that the Great Wall can be seen by the naked eye from space.” He went into further detail by explaining that
“although the Great wall is roughly over 4,000 miles long, its width is only a few meters, making it just as visible from space
with the naked eye as the river. However, this fact took nothing away from the structure’s impressive size or majestic
nature. Our Chinese college student friend also said, “A Chinese man is not considered a “true” man until he has climbed
the great wall.” Although the Great Wall is incredibly old, the section open to the public were well maintained and brilliantly
restored. However, at the end of the “public” section we could see the rest of the great wall was slowly deteriorating,
eroding against the sands of time. As our bus departed from the iconic structure of China, I felt a sense of national pride,
as the each county has a structure that is intricately tied into their history and image.
Closing Blog for Kyle O’Donnell
Although the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition exposed us to wide and distinctly different way of addressing
science, the trip as a whole created a lasting impression that could only be understood by someone who has left the
country. I felt a nationalistic cohesion exist within each one of the international delegations, subliminally uniting them under
a distinctive, unique image. Although this binding agent united each of the delegations, including our own, it did not
polarize delegations against one another or cause discord. Like a harmony, overtones untied each of the distinctively
different scientific delegations together, as equals and as friends.
National identity is ambiguous at best. Yet, when we arrived in Beijing, there was an unequivocal feeling that we
were in a different country. Simple things were not the same as our country like the shape of traffic lights and the
marketing scheme of designs on buildings. A whole array of differences creates the distinct impression that Beijing is
different than any other big city that I’ve been to. For instance, New York, Chicago, Miami, and Washington DC are all
noticeably unique in comparison to one another. However, when compared to a foreign city like Beijing, the big US cities
have a similar tone and feeling about them that contrasts sharply with the feeling of Beijing, China.
Yet, this contrast of intangible national image at various level of our country is not like the difference between good and
evil; rather, it was more like the difference between the sounds of different musical instruments. For instance, the trained
ears of musical maestros from western music will firmly declare that the Violin and Cello produce distinctively different
sounds, which they clearly do. However, if these western instruments are compared to traditional Chinese string music then
anyone can hear there is much more similarity between sounds of the violin and Cello than difference.
This individualizing difference highlights a major overtone of the International Science Competition. All nations appreciate
science for it is the basis of modern society. The internet, gasoline, textiles, and even food are all derived from science
which is the catalytic agent that fuels future advancement. Although science is crucially important to all nations, not all
countries celebrate and promote science in the same manor. In the Guilford county science fair, I was one of four High
School entrants. However, in the city of Beijing alone, there were over ten-thousand students that entered the Beijing
Youth Science Creation competition. In addition to the sheer number of students that entered the Chinese science
competition, the Beijing Association of Science and Technology, who organizes the event, give away dozens of science
prizes, which weren’t cheap. They gave away fuel cell model cars, small programmable robots, and cash. The Chinese
didn’t just celebrate science and technology; they gave high achieving students tools to do better science in the future.
In sharp contrast to the North Carolina State Science Fair, the Chinese gave out dozens of first and second place medals,
in addition to a variety of more prestigious prizes like the Governors award. At the NC State Science Fair, they gave out a
first, second and third place prize for each category, leaving the rest of our top students in the state who didn’t receive win
an award to walk home basically empty handed. In America, we are so intently focused on who “won the single most
coveted first place,” which doesn’t matter at the State level because the work of every student at the state level is
outstanding. At the NC State Science Fair awards ceremony, I felt almost guilty taking two different awards home because
there were over twenty outstanding environment science projects, and most of them left the competition with little to show.
In the halls of my school, trophy cases are filled with sports awards. In China, plaques of scientific, mathematic and
technological excellence are surrounding the front doors of the school, showing all students where the importance of their
education system is. In comparison, our football team spends several fold the budget of our science department. Last
year, our AP Chemistry class had to cut lab experiments crucial to understanding fundamental Chemistry concepts because
the school ran out of “allocated money for science”
While talking to the leader of Korean delegation, who is a physics teacher, she said that she will stay to 8 or 9 at night to
tutor students for free, saying that it is her responsibility to help her students achieve as much as they can. My neighbor
moved here from Korea two years ago only knowing conversational English. Within a year he was taking 4 AP classes all in
English. He and my Chinese friends are great to study with because they are disciplined and focused, unlike most of the
student s at my high school that care more about what they wear rather than being aware. Now is set to be the
valedictorian of the next senior class and he his family is here on a work visa. Having taken 10 AP classes and hit the
ceiling of our public high school system, seeing all that it has to offer. If I had to choose between an education in China or
Korea, I would take it, knowing that the importance is focused on academics, achievement and success as a school.
Ultimately, their schools place science mathematics and technology first, creating multitudes of high achieving students not
one valedictorian.
This is not to strike a negative chord on the American education system because we have the finest higher education
institution in the world. To address arguments against foreign school systems, yes they too have students who perform
poorly and don’t put forth the effort. However, in comparing the two systems as a whole, the Chinese students as a group
are at school to better themselves, create job opportunities, and ultimately learn, which the majority of students at my high
school are not there to do. This is not a deficiency of the North Carolina State Board of Education or our School Teaches;
rather, it is a cultural deficiency. Statistics on Facebook and MySpace combined show that students spend more time
online engaged in social networking than the national average time that high school students spend on homework. The
educational problem exists in the American high school student, who continually falls in rankings of test scores of top
industrialized nations.
Just as China is instantly recognized by the great wall, I hope that the US will not be recognized by the poor performance of
our students, as a whole against other nations. Yet, when meeting some of the best students from foreign nations there
was not air of superiority or unbridled competition like a sports game. Rather, we were all young adults who discussed
topics socialized medicine, Chinese governmental censoring of media, and the nominees for president, which are
surprisingly receiving a lot of attention on foreign media. We had great time talking about the future and what could be
because globalization is internationalizing affair, wherein scientific achievement happens globally not just in one country.
The laws of physics don’t change between countries, so international scientists can carry out research in any country.
The Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition let me see how other nations approach science mathematics and
technology first hand. It let me see their school and talk to their students and teachers. As every delegation was bonded
within itself with a sense of nationalize at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition, all of the international delegations
were united under a passionate pursuit of science and its impact on the quality of life. We look forward to a bright future
as a people, not as separate nation, a future where anything can change for the better, and a future where there is no limit
to what science can achieve or man can accomplish.
Best of Luck,
Kyle O’Donnell
Ever country has its great iconic image that is instantly recognizable. Eifel Tower is French, Statue of Liberty is American
and the Great Wall is Chinese. Before riding a bus into the mountains of China, I never fully grasped the massive size of
the Great Wall. The impressive structure snakes its way elegantly over the peak of the mountain range, presenting a
nearly impossible obstacle for any Mongol army. At the Great wall, James, our Chinese college student friend, said that, “it’
s a myth that the Great Wall can be seen by the naked eye from space.” He went into further detail by explaining that
“although the Great wall is roughly over 4,000 miles long, its width is only a few meters, making it just as visible from space
with the naked eye as the river. However, this fact took nothing away from the structure’s impressive size or majestic
nature. Our Chinese college student friend also said, “A Chinese man is not considered a “true” man until he has climbed
the great wall.” Although the Great Wall is incredibly old, the section open to the public were well maintained and brilliantly
restored. However, at the end of the “public” section we could see the rest of the great wall was slowly deteriorating,
eroding against the sands of time. As our bus departed from the iconic structure of China, I felt a sense of national pride,
as the each county has a structure that is intricately tied into their history and image.
Closing Blog for Kyle O’Donnell
Although the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition exposed us to wide and distinctly different way of addressing
science, the trip as a whole created a lasting impression that could only be understood by someone who has left the
country. I felt a nationalistic cohesion exist within each one of the international delegations, subliminally uniting them under
a distinctive, unique image. Although this binding agent united each of the delegations, including our own, it did not
polarize delegations against one another or cause discord. Like a harmony, overtones untied each of the distinctively
different scientific delegations together, as equals and as friends.
National identity is ambiguous at best. Yet, when we arrived in Beijing, there was an unequivocal feeling that we
were in a different country. Simple things were not the same as our country like the shape of traffic lights and the
marketing scheme of designs on buildings. A whole array of differences creates the distinct impression that Beijing is
different than any other big city that I’ve been to. For instance, New York, Chicago, Miami, and Washington DC are all
noticeably unique in comparison to one another. However, when compared to a foreign city like Beijing, the big US cities
have a similar tone and feeling about them that contrasts sharply with the feeling of Beijing, China.
Yet, this contrast of intangible national image at various level of our country is not like the difference between good and
evil; rather, it was more like the difference between the sounds of different musical instruments. For instance, the trained
ears of musical maestros from western music will firmly declare that the Violin and Cello produce distinctively different
sounds, which they clearly do. However, if these western instruments are compared to traditional Chinese string music then
anyone can hear there is much more similarity between sounds of the violin and Cello than difference.
This individualizing difference highlights a major overtone of the International Science Competition. All nations appreciate
science for it is the basis of modern society. The internet, gasoline, textiles, and even food are all derived from science
which is the catalytic agent that fuels future advancement. Although science is crucially important to all nations, not all
countries celebrate and promote science in the same manor. In the Guilford county science fair, I was one of four High
School entrants. However, in the city of Beijing alone, there were over ten-thousand students that entered the Beijing
Youth Science Creation competition. In addition to the sheer number of students that entered the Chinese science
competition, the Beijing Association of Science and Technology, who organizes the event, give away dozens of science
prizes, which weren’t cheap. They gave away fuel cell model cars, small programmable robots, and cash. The Chinese
didn’t just celebrate science and technology; they gave high achieving students tools to do better science in the future.
In sharp contrast to the North Carolina State Science Fair, the Chinese gave out dozens of first and second place medals,
in addition to a variety of more prestigious prizes like the Governors award. At the NC State Science Fair, they gave out a
first, second and third place prize for each category, leaving the rest of our top students in the state who didn’t receive win
an award to walk home basically empty handed. In America, we are so intently focused on who “won the single most
coveted first place,” which doesn’t matter at the State level because the work of every student at the state level is
outstanding. At the NC State Science Fair awards ceremony, I felt almost guilty taking two different awards home because
there were over twenty outstanding environment science projects, and most of them left the competition with little to show.
In the halls of my school, trophy cases are filled with sports awards. In China, plaques of scientific, mathematic and
technological excellence are surrounding the front doors of the school, showing all students where the importance of their
education system is. In comparison, our football team spends several fold the budget of our science department. Last
year, our AP Chemistry class had to cut lab experiments crucial to understanding fundamental Chemistry concepts because
the school ran out of “allocated money for science”
While talking to the leader of Korean delegation, who is a physics teacher, she said that she will stay to 8 or 9 at night to
tutor students for free, saying that it is her responsibility to help her students achieve as much as they can. My neighbor
moved here from Korea two years ago only knowing conversational English. Within a year he was taking 4 AP classes all in
English. He and my Chinese friends are great to study with because they are disciplined and focused, unlike most of the
student s at my high school that care more about what they wear rather than being aware. Now is set to be the
valedictorian of the next senior class and he his family is here on a work visa. Having taken 10 AP classes and hit the
ceiling of our public high school system, seeing all that it has to offer. If I had to choose between an education in China or
Korea, I would take it, knowing that the importance is focused on academics, achievement and success as a school.
Ultimately, their schools place science mathematics and technology first, creating multitudes of high achieving students not
one valedictorian.
This is not to strike a negative chord on the American education system because we have the finest higher education
institution in the world. To address arguments against foreign school systems, yes they too have students who perform
poorly and don’t put forth the effort. However, in comparing the two systems as a whole, the Chinese students as a group
are at school to better themselves, create job opportunities, and ultimately learn, which the majority of students at my high
school are not there to do. This is not a deficiency of the North Carolina State Board of Education or our School Teaches;
rather, it is a cultural deficiency. Statistics on Facebook and MySpace combined show that students spend more time
online engaged in social networking than the national average time that high school students spend on homework. The
educational problem exists in the American high school student, who continually falls in rankings of test scores of top
industrialized nations.
Just as China is instantly recognized by the great wall, I hope that the US will not be recognized by the poor performance of
our students, as a whole against other nations. Yet, when meeting some of the best students from foreign nations there
was not air of superiority or unbridled competition like a sports game. Rather, we were all young adults who discussed
topics socialized medicine, Chinese governmental censoring of media, and the nominees for president, which are
surprisingly receiving a lot of attention on foreign media. We had great time talking about the future and what could be
because globalization is internationalizing affair, wherein scientific achievement happens globally not just in one country.
The laws of physics don’t change between countries, so international scientists can carry out research in any country.
The Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition let me see how other nations approach science mathematics and
technology first hand. It let me see their school and talk to their students and teachers. As every delegation was bonded
within itself with a sense of nationalize at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition, all of the international delegations
were united under a passionate pursuit of science and its impact on the quality of life. We look forward to a bright future
as a people, not as separate nation, a future where anything can change for the better, and a future where there is no limit
to what science can achieve or man can accomplish.
Best of Luck,
Kyle O’Donnell
Mark Hendrick Blog #4 – March 24
Today was an excellent end to an outstanding trip. We saw the Great wall, the Forbidden City, and the silk market all
in one day. Though we were very busy we were always entertained. The Great wall was our first stop. I was amazed to
see how massive and beautiful the wall was up close. I also found it surprising that the wall was so steep. It was so hard to
walk up that I couldn’t imagine building it. After the Great wall we headed to the Forbidden City. This was a massive city
filled with unbelievable architecture. Walking through the city was a great experience but so was walking outside the city.
Outside there were many vendors and I was able to purchase a whole case of fake Rolex and Gucci watches for 250 RMB.
Finally, we went to the silk market. There I was able to buy many different items at very cheap prices. Kyle, Brandon and I
were all after about the same things so we split up in order to buy the most items possible in our hour and a half of
shopping. After shopping, we went back to our hotel for our final Chinese dinner. Brandon then left with his family and the
adults went out to Big Pizza. This trip has been amazing and I am so disappointed that it is over. It has been the trip of a
lifetime and I hope I will be able to visit China again someday.
Today was an excellent end to an outstanding trip. We saw the Great wall, the Forbidden City, and the silk market all
in one day. Though we were very busy we were always entertained. The Great wall was our first stop. I was amazed to
see how massive and beautiful the wall was up close. I also found it surprising that the wall was so steep. It was so hard to
walk up that I couldn’t imagine building it. After the Great wall we headed to the Forbidden City. This was a massive city
filled with unbelievable architecture. Walking through the city was a great experience but so was walking outside the city.
Outside there were many vendors and I was able to purchase a whole case of fake Rolex and Gucci watches for 250 RMB.
Finally, we went to the silk market. There I was able to buy many different items at very cheap prices. Kyle, Brandon and I
were all after about the same things so we split up in order to buy the most items possible in our hour and a half of
shopping. After shopping, we went back to our hotel for our final Chinese dinner. Brandon then left with his family and the
adults went out to Big Pizza. This trip has been amazing and I am so disappointed that it is over. It has been the trip of a
lifetime and I hope I will be able to visit China again someday.
Brandon Young- Final Blog Entry
First I would like to say that being a part of this entire trip was something that opened my eyes to a new cultural world.
All of the experiences that I encountered were tremendous. They were all thanks to Dr. Nolan and our other chaperones.
Plus, I could not have picked any other delegates to go with other than Melanie, Mark, and Kyle. We really bonded over
this time and I do look forward to keeping in touch with them over time. This experience also enabled us to develop around
the world contacts whom we never would have been in contact with had it not been for this trip. So, again thanks to
everyone who made this possible and especially Project Seed for giving me this opportunity to compete.
On to the trip, overall it was amazing a truly wonderful experience that filled my head with all kinds of different thoughts
of what could be. The level of science that was produced by this competition was immense, resulting in several projects
trying to fix certain problems that only applied to a specific country. This is what kept me the most intrigued. The fact that
all of us were somehow trying to better the community we live in not just ourselves. So, this is just more proof to the fact
that we all are trying to help each other and that different countries of the world can agree on something. Plus, talking with
these other beautiful minds really made me realize how blessed we all are and how lucky we are to be in a position to help.
More on a personal note, I am proud to say that I did carry a conversation with all other 11 countries. This enabled me
to become educated on the differences between the countries and everything. The most surprising thing to me was how
well every other country spoke English and their native tongue. Boy that really makes our two credits of foreign language
look like a joke. Anyway, I am glad that I got the chance to meet with all of these different kids because most of them live
just like we do. We all usually like the same bands and types of music. Also, we all believed that the food in China was not
the best choice for cuisine. With these similarities we were all able to converse and share fun times together. Meeting the
other nations was definitely one of the best parts.
In terms of science, there was not much competing going on like in the US competitions; this was more of a melting pot
of good ideas. There were no hostile glares or jealous faces when the award ceremony came; this helped to stop some of
the tension that would have aroused. However, even the Chinese students did not go at each others throats they were
very respectful when another one won. One boy in particular won about six awards and every time they called his name the
crowd would gasp only showing that they were excited for him. He represented his school well who oh yea all have
matching sweat suit uniforms. That would be a cool uniform to wear.
In the end all four of us got the experience of a lifetime. This opportunity was incredible and the fact that it was so
much fun is what really made this trip one of the best of my life. I will always remember the look on Melanie’s face when she
finally got the hang of chopsticks, or when Kyle finally got his great deal at the Silk Market, or when Mark seemingly skipped
up the steps of the Great Wall of China. All of these memories will stay with me forever. Also, being the only junior,
hopefully I will be able to return to the BYSCC next year and relive some of these amazing memories.
First I would like to say that being a part of this entire trip was something that opened my eyes to a new cultural world.
All of the experiences that I encountered were tremendous. They were all thanks to Dr. Nolan and our other chaperones.
Plus, I could not have picked any other delegates to go with other than Melanie, Mark, and Kyle. We really bonded over
this time and I do look forward to keeping in touch with them over time. This experience also enabled us to develop around
the world contacts whom we never would have been in contact with had it not been for this trip. So, again thanks to
everyone who made this possible and especially Project Seed for giving me this opportunity to compete.
On to the trip, overall it was amazing a truly wonderful experience that filled my head with all kinds of different thoughts
of what could be. The level of science that was produced by this competition was immense, resulting in several projects
trying to fix certain problems that only applied to a specific country. This is what kept me the most intrigued. The fact that
all of us were somehow trying to better the community we live in not just ourselves. So, this is just more proof to the fact
that we all are trying to help each other and that different countries of the world can agree on something. Plus, talking with
these other beautiful minds really made me realize how blessed we all are and how lucky we are to be in a position to help.
More on a personal note, I am proud to say that I did carry a conversation with all other 11 countries. This enabled me
to become educated on the differences between the countries and everything. The most surprising thing to me was how
well every other country spoke English and their native tongue. Boy that really makes our two credits of foreign language
look like a joke. Anyway, I am glad that I got the chance to meet with all of these different kids because most of them live
just like we do. We all usually like the same bands and types of music. Also, we all believed that the food in China was not
the best choice for cuisine. With these similarities we were all able to converse and share fun times together. Meeting the
other nations was definitely one of the best parts.
In terms of science, there was not much competing going on like in the US competitions; this was more of a melting pot
of good ideas. There were no hostile glares or jealous faces when the award ceremony came; this helped to stop some of
the tension that would have aroused. However, even the Chinese students did not go at each others throats they were
very respectful when another one won. One boy in particular won about six awards and every time they called his name the
crowd would gasp only showing that they were excited for him. He represented his school well who oh yea all have
matching sweat suit uniforms. That would be a cool uniform to wear.
In the end all four of us got the experience of a lifetime. This opportunity was incredible and the fact that it was so
much fun is what really made this trip one of the best of my life. I will always remember the look on Melanie’s face when she
finally got the hang of chopsticks, or when Kyle finally got his great deal at the Silk Market, or when Mark seemingly skipped
up the steps of the Great Wall of China. All of these memories will stay with me forever. Also, being the only junior,
hopefully I will be able to return to the BYSCC next year and relive some of these amazing memories.
See
photos
from the
event
Here!
photos
from the
event
Here!