Physics in Action: Y10–Y11 Shine at the Open House

This year’s Open House at the English International School of Bratislava became an unforgettable celebration of curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking, thanks to the incredible work of our Year 10 and Year 11 physics students. Visitors, parents, and younger students were welcomed by a vibrant display of experiments, demonstrations, and posters—each one prepared, built, and proudly explained by the students themselves. Their enthusiasm filled the room, turning physics concepts into real, tangible experiences that everyone could enjoy.

One group captured the attention of every guest with a fully functioning electromagnet built from scratch. Powered by a high-voltage source, their setup showed how electric current creates magnetic fields strong enough to lift metal objects. Seeing students confidently explain electromagnetism—while showing it live—made this corner one of the most popular stops of the event.

Right next to them, another team brought Pascal’s Law to life with a simple but impressive hydraulic press model. Using connected syringes and tubing, they demonstrated how pressure applied to a fluid is transmitted equally throughout the system. Their clear explanation and hands-on activity allowed visitors to literally feel Pascal’s principle in action.

Further along, the friction investigation table gave everyone a chance to test how objects move differently depending on the surface they slide on. With three distinct materials arranged on an inclined plane, students carefully explained the difference between static and dynamic friction, letting guests experiment to understand why some objects start moving easily while others resist motion.

A particularly captivating project was the diffraction setup. Using a CD and a handmade tube device, this group allowed visitors to peer inside and see how white light splits into its component colors. The simplicity of the design, combined with how effectively it demonstrated diffraction, made it a perfect example of physics explored through creativity and understanding.

At another station, the free-fall group engaged visitors with an exploration of drag forces. By comparing the falling behavior of different objects, they explained why shape, size, and air resistance influence how fast something drops. Their experiment sparked many questions from younger students fascinated by how physics explains everyday motion.

And finally, one student dedicated his project to helping the audience understand vectors—a concept often considered abstract until it is visualized properly. Through clear models and examples, he managed to show how magnitude and direction work together in physics, making the idea accessible to everyone.

The Open House was not only a showcase of scientific knowledge but also a celebration of hard work, teamwork, and outstanding communication skills. Each student demonstrated remarkable confidence and clarity while presenting their experiment to visitors. Their posters were carefully prepared, their explanations were engaging, and their passion for physics was evident in every interaction.

Congratulations to all Y10 and Y11 physics students for their impressive efforts and outstanding oral presentations. You represented the physics department with excellence and pride, turning the Open House into a memorable and inspiring experience for our whole school community.